What are some simple changes I can make to protect our waters?

By following these few simple guidelines, you can make your home more attractive and help prevent erosion:

  • Never dump motor oil, grass trimmings, leaves, animal waste or other pollutants into the roadway or stormwater catch basins.
  • Landscape your yard to minimize rainwater runoff.
  • Divert rain from paved surfaces onto grass to permit gradual infiltration.
  • Preserve the established trees in your neighborhood, which help minimize the damage caused by surface runoff.
  • Choose the appropriate plants, shrubs and trees for the soil in your yard; do not select plants that need lots of watering, which increases surface runoff.
  • Consult your local nursery or your county’s Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension office for advice on which plants, shrubs and trees will grow well in your yard.

Show All Answers

1. Where does stormwater go?
2. Why has stormwater runoff become such a problem?
3. How can I reduce runoff?
4. What is an impervious surface?
5. How can I landscape my yard in ways to reduce runoff and protect the environment?
6. What are some simple changes I can make to protect our waters?