Keep Our Drinking Water Free of Lawn Pesticides & Herbicides

Lawn pesticides and herbicides contain chemicals (i.e. alkylphenols) that, when used properly, can protect your plants and home from pests. When these chemicals are overused or disposed of improperly, they can pollute our drinking water and harm fish, plants, and other wildlife.

If you must use lawn pesticides and herbicides:

• Research and buy the least toxic product possible.
• Buy products that are already mixed or mix up only what you need for the job.
• Read the label and use according to the directions.
• Don’t water your lawn after applying chemicals unless the label tells you to. Never let pesticide or fertilizer runoff into storm drains.
• Avoid applying chemicals outdoors when there is a chance of rain or it is windy.
• Don’t apply pesticides or fertilizers on paved surfaces.

Disposing of pesticides and fertilizers:

• If you can’t use up your pesticides and fertilizers, consider asking a neighbor if they have the same pest issue and can use the products.
• Do not pour lawn pesticides and herbicides into a storm drain, down the sink, or into the toilet. Referred to as an illicit discharge, they pollute water and dumping them is against the law!
• Read the label and follow the disposal and storage instructions, or take them to a local household hazardous waste drop-off site.