Polluted water is a threat to our water supply, our health and our economy.

Although wastewater treatment plants remove hazardous wastes and raw sewage from wastewater, the process is expensive and sometimes very difficult. Ultimately, water customers could pay higher costs, through rate increases, to meet these challenges.

Unlike sewage that is processed at a wastewater treatment plant, rain runoff is not cleaned. Rain runoff picks up hazardous wastes, pesticides, fertilizers and trash that empty into storm drains. And people sometimes illegally dump these wastes into storm drains. All storm drains empty into the nearest creek, lake or the Trinity River.

It would be easy to dispose of hazardous waste with regular garbage, but landfills are not designed for hazardous waste. Discarded chemicals can leach through the landfill liner and pollute ground water.

Help protect your neighborhood——and your city——from the damaging effects of water pollution.

Automobile Care

• Repair any oil, transmission fluid, gasoline or antifreeze leaks as soon as possible.
• Use absorbent materials (e.g., kitty litter or sand) to soak up puddles of oil or antifreeze spills or leaks.
• Use a commercial car wash. For home car washing, use biodegradable products.
• Take used oil and antifreeze to your local auto service retailer or gas station for safe disposal (call first), or to a hazardous waste collection event.
• Do not use engine degreasers, except at a commercial car wash.

Yard Care

• Select plants and grasses that are native or adapted to Dallas that require less water, fertilizers and pesticides. To request information about waterwise landscaping, also known as xeriscape, call Dallas Water Utilities at (214) 670-3155.
• Don't bag grass clippings. Use a mulching mower or install a mulching blade. Mow every five to six days.
• Cut only the top one-third of the leaf surface of your grass.
• Compost your leaves and grass clippings to create a rich, natural fertilizer for flower beds.

Fertilizer/Herbicide/Pesticide Use

• Use only when needed.
• Apply only recommended amounts.
• Don't fertilize or apply pesticides before a rain. Most of the chemicals (and your money) will wash into a storm drain.
• Sweep up spills on driveways and sidewalks.
• Use slow-release, natural fertilizers.
• Use non-toxic alternatives. Many lawn care services offer non-toxic treatments especially favored by families with children or pets.
• Follow the disposal instructions on the product label.