Everyday tips to improve water quality

Water quality affects us all, and we can all make a difference

Stormwater runoff poses a major threat to the health of our streams, creeks, and rivers. The good news is that there are numerous practical steps you can take to enhance water quality and save money.

Keep a water-wise yard

A water‑wise yard is designed to soak up rain, use less water and reduce pollution by featuring native plants, healthy soil, and fewer chemicals. This helps rain filter naturally into the ground instead of washing contaminants into nearby streams and rivers.
  • Install native plants that work best for your yard’s water flow, sun exposure, and soil. 
  • Design rain gardens with native plants that soak up and thrive on stormwater from downspouts and overland flow.
  • Capture downspout runoff using a rain barrel for watering during dry periods. 
A rain garden with native plants and large stones in a yard in Kansas City.
Image source: Down to Earth Services
A hand holding loose soil over a hole in a garden.

Improve soil naturally

Reduce the amount of chemicals that wash into storm drains and local waterways by using natural fertilizers and compost.

  • Compost yard waste and spread on lawns and beds to fertilize naturally.
  • Test your soil to determine if adjustments are needed and which plants work best with your soil type. Only apply what’s needed and never 24-48 hours before rain. 

Pick Up Pet Waste

When pet waste is left on the ground, it washes into streams and spreads disease-causing bacteria.

  • Always clean up after your pet—at home or on walks—to protect the health of you and your neighbors.
  • Bag it and place it in the garbage, or bury it 12 inches deep and away from produce gardens. 
A person getting a pet waste bag off a leash dispenser.
Golden colored leaves clogging a storm drain

Keep Storm Drains Clear

Storm drains flow directly to rivers and lakes untreated. Anything that blocks a storm drain, like leaves, trash and debris, can cause polluted runoff to back up or carry contaminants to local waterways. Organic material and trash decompose in the system, releasing foul odors and causing additional blockages.

  • Rake up and compost sticks and plant material near drains.
  • Pick up litter and recycle litter items when possible.

Clean up contaminants from home projects

Properly dispose of chemicals, oils, soaps and other contaminants generated by home projects. Even small amounts can wash into storm drains and harm local water quality.

  • Wash your car at a car wash to make sure oils and soaps are captured and treated.
  • Properly dispose of chemicals and waste at your local household hazardous waste facility.
  • Drain pool water to sanitary sewer systems or across a vegetated area.
  • If you are responsible for a contaminating spill, act immediately. Report spills and suspected prohibited activities to the appropriate authorities.

Use alternatives to road salt

Large snow melts from sunny days and temperatures above freezing send runoff to our stormdrains, much like a heavy rain would. And that runoff can contain chemical salt residue from treated roads, sidewalks and driveways. 

Rock salt can contaminate drinking water, kill roadside plants or endanger wildlife, increase soil erosion, and corrode walkway and roadway concrete, as well as vehicles themselves. 

Safe alternatives absorb the sun’s heat, melting ice and adding traction, replacing road salt. Options include: 

  • Sand 
  • Kitty litter 
  • Small rock chicken grit instead of salt to maintain safe traction. These materials will also trap heat on sunny days, melting ice and snow without adding harmful chemical pollutants into our regional waters.