What You Can Do to Help!

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Good Housekeeping

Use Environmentally Safe Products
Be aware of the impact of the products you buy and how you store them.  Try to buy natural, eco-friendly
products and make sure you store them in a covered, dry location so that they are not in danger of being washed away by rain water.  


Sweep
Leaves, grass and other debris that enter the storm drains are some of the worst contributors to water quality and marine life degradation.  Sweeping your garage, driveway, sidewalk and curb helps keep debris from running into the storm drain and the ocean when it rains.  


Pick Up After Your Pets
Pick up your pet's waste daily!  Put it in the trash or flush it down the toilet.  If you leave it in the yard, it may get washed away into a nearby storm drain that then takes it out to the ocean!  No one wants to swim in your pet's poo!  


Go the the Car Wash or Wash Your Car On The Lawn
Wash your car on your lawn so that soapy water soaks into the grass instead of running off your driveway onto the street and into a storm drain.  Or use non-phosphorous, environmentally friendly soap.  


Dispose of Hazardous Materials and Trash Properly
Proper disposal of hazardous materials, such as motor oil, paint, household chemicals and other hazardous or toxic substances will help to protect water resources.  Also, ensure proper disposal of trash so that it doesn't have the chance to be taken off your property during a storm and washed into a stream or storm drain.  


Landscaping

Plant Natives
Native plants need less water and pesticides.  Using native plants in your landscaping also has important ecological benefits as well.  Contact your local nursery for more information.

Reduce Use of Pesticides 
Use of pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides contain toxic chemicals that if applied excessively or shortly before a rain event can be carried into streams and the ocean, causing harm to fish and other aquatic organisms.  


Reduce Use of Fertilizers 
Use of fertilizers contributes to heightened nutrient levels in our water.  Phosphorus and nitrogen are the main nutrients of concern in stormwater runoff.  These nutrients can cause algae blooms or excessive plant growth in streams and bays, which degrade the overall health of the body of water. 

Let Your Grass Grow Longer
For a healthy, low maintenance lawn, the optimum mowing height for most grasses is between 3 to 4 inches.  Save time and effort by letting your grass grow longer.  

Leave Your Leaves
After mowing your lawn, leave the extra grass clippings on the lawn.  Grass clippings are a natural fertilizer that recycles the nutrients back into the soil.  Doing this will allow you to fertilize less often and contrary to what many believe, leaving grass clippings does not cause thatch!



Grow Organic
Using organic products helps protect against harmful chemicals and toxins from entering our environment.  Organic landscaping techniques produce beautiful plants, high yields, and in the long term, is better for the overall health of your lawn and garden. 


Compost
Gather yard trimmings and  place it in the green waste bins or use it for compost.  Add your food waste from your kitchen to help produce a rich compost that can then be used on your lawn and garden.  


Install a Rain Garden or a Rain Barrel
There are beautiful solutions for capturing rain water on your property.  These options can save you water, beautify the property, and add value to your landscape.  


Reduce Impervious Surfaces 
Reduce the amount of pavement, turf grass and bare soils, which aren't very effective at infiltrating rain water at the source.  Instead consider alternatives such as native plant gardens or pervious pavement on your property!  


Community Activism

Report Illegal Dumping
It is illegal for any person to discharge or cause to be discharged any pollutant into any drainage facility which causes a pollution problem into state waters.  Illegal dumping can include pollutants such as waste, fuel or cooking oil, mike or juice waste, pesticides, paint, solvent, sewage, soil, rock, sand, construction waste or other hazardous or toxic substances.  If you witness such activities, it should be reported!   

City and County of Honolulu Environmental Concern Line - 808-768-3300

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Want to learn more?  Schedule a Residential Storm Water Assessment

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