Water running off your property can carry soil , chemicals , and other pollutants directly into storm drains and creeks . Here are a few tips to minimize this runoff from your property to maintain healthy creeks :
Redirect Gutters and Pipes
Runoff from roof surfaces contributes to the decline of creek health . Direct roof runoff and drain pipes away from your house , the creek , or street gutters , and allow it to runoff to across vegetated or graveled areas for filtration before leaving the property . Consider a rain barrel or other method to capture roof runoff to use later .
MINIMIZE RUNOFF FROM YOUR PROPERTY
Minimize Paved Areas
Impervious driveways , walkways , and patios increase the amount of water that flows into creeks and storm drains — adding to flooding problems . Instead of concrete , use wooden decks , gravel , brick or stone paths , paving stones , or concrete blocks set in sand so that water can permeate through spaces .
Hosing Down Surfaces
Avoid hosing down paved surfaces or washing your care in the driveway or street . Even “ biodegradable ” soaps are toxic to fish and wildlife . Wash cars by using a commercial car wash .
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If you live on a creek :
Reduce free flowing or piped water from your backyard to the creek or creek bank to decrease streambank erosion .
Guide water to the creek in a protected way . Rock-lined channels and energy dissipaters can be incorporated into your landscape design . Be sure to maintain creek bank vegetation . Roots of riparian plants will help stabilize the banks .