Why It Matters.
Stormwater (rain or snowmelt) runs off of hard surfaces like roofs, parking lots and streets. From there it travels into the storm system and directly into our water ways. It picks up pollutants along the way. This water is not treated and therefore it impacts the health of aquatic life. It also impacts the health of you and your children and pets. The good news there are lots of simple ways HOA’s and property management companies can help reduce these impacts.
What Your HOA or Property Management Company Can Do
There are many activities that HOA and Property Management Companies do that can impact water quality. The good news is that simple changes can turn negative impacts into positive impacts. Things like reading the application directions on fertilizers and pesticides can prevent excess nutrients from making their way into our waterways. Check out the below brochures for ways you can help! Additionally, check out the educational materials that you can post for residents or include in newsletters.
HOA and Property Management Common Pollutants
Excess Fertilizer and Pesticides
Overflowing and Leaking Trash Dumpsters
Improperly Maintained Stormwater Detention & Waterquality Ponds
Watch Out for Nutrients
Why It Matters
Leaf litter, grass clippings, and excess fertilizer add nutrients to our waterways. Too many nutrients cause algae overgrowth, which removes oxygen from the water, causing harm to aquatic life and unpleasant odors. The good news is you don’t have to give up your lawn. With a few good practices, you can keep your lawn green and protect water quality!
Effectively Apply Fertilizer and Pesticides
Read product packaging for application rates to prevent overspray reaching our waterways
Watch the weather so you can fertilize when there are no storms on the horizon
Fertilize in early fall to promote healthy root systems for stronger, more resilient plants and lawn. The healthier the plants the less frequently you have to apply!
Properly Dispose of Lawn Waste
Don’t blow grass clippings into the street
Sweep up spills and fertilizer overspray
Educate Homeowner’s/Tenants on Picking Up After Their Pets
Post information on why it is important to pick up after pets. You can even use ours:
Provide trash containers and baggies to make it easy for residents to comply.
Turn it Down
Don’t powerwash debris into the streets.
Fix leaks and adjust sprinklers based on the weather and reduce runoff.
Educate Homeowners/Tenants on Proper Yard Maintenance
Provide educational materials to homeowners/residents. You can use our Lawn and Nutrient poster!
Train Employees and Contractors
Make sure employees and contractors are aware of their stormwater responsibilities.
Provide them with stormwater information so they know how to do the job right!
Other Ways You Can Help Keep it Clean
Good Housekeeping.
Install covers and secondary containment for all materials stored outside.
Keep outside areas free of spills and leaks. And use dry clean methods to clean up any spills and leaks that do happen.