Make a difference with simple changes in your home and lawn maintenance.

• Every three to five years, pump out the solids that accumulate in the bottom of your septic tank to ensure proper function, prevent pollution in streams and groundwater, and avoid expensive repairs.
  
  For assistance:
  Virginia Department of Health

        1414 North Augusta Street

        Staunton, VA 24401

        540-332-7830

   www.vdh.state.va.us/

• Landscape with native wildflowers, shrubs and trees to enhance property values, attract birds and other native wildlife, discourage invasive species and contribute to healthy watersheds. You will also reduce your need for fertilizing and extra watering.

• Install a rain garden (a prepared depression planted with native plants) or rain barrels to help reduce the impact of stormwater runoff and reduce water costs.

• Allow streamside areas to remain vegetated with shrubs and small trees, or plant native grasses, shrubs and small trees in these areas. It creates natural habitat and armors streambanks against erosion.

• Minimize your use of herbicides and pesticides, as these cost money and can wash into streams during storms and kill plants and animals.

• Minimize impervious surfaces like paved roads and driveways, as well as rooftops, which prevent water from soaking into the ground and contribute to downstream flooding.

• Avoid dumping anything into sinkholes which can pollute groundwater, wells, and ultimately streams and rivers.

• Avoid clearing or filling wet areas as these naturally filter and retain water runoff, reducing sedimentation and flooding.
  
  For assistance:
  Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
  Division of Soil and Water Conservation
  44 Sangers Lane

        Staunton, VA 24401

        540-332-9991

        www.dcr.virginia.gov

        Virginia Native Plant Society
        400 Blandy Farm Lane, Unit 2
        Boyce, VA 22620
        (540) 837-1600
        www.vnps.org

• Have your soil tested before fertilizing your lawn and garden. Follow fertilizer application instructions carefully -- excess fertilizer wastes money and can wash into streams, damage aquatic habitats, and degrade water quality.
  
  For assistance:
  Virginia Extension Agency

        965 Pleasant Valley Road

        Harrisonburg, VA 22801

        540-564-3080

        http://www.ext.vt.edu/