RESOURCES:

Whatcom Residential Watershed Pledge

Courtesy ReSources www.re-sources.org & WA Dept of Ecology
www.watershedpledge.org

Who’s polluting our water?
All of us know that industrial facilities, toxic waste dumps, oil tankers and pipelines often create environmental problems. What many people don't know however is that a significant amount of pollution to our air and water is caused by smaller "nonpoint" sources, such as households, small businesses, and community organizations and agencies. Nonpoint source pollution is our Nation's leading source of water quality degradation. It's the main reason that approximately 40 percent of our surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries are not clean enough for basic uses such as fishing or swimming.

What can you do?
The Whatcom Watersheds Pledge helps you learn what they can do at home and on the job to prevent water pollution and asks you to make a voluntary pledge to do what you can.

Although individual homes might contribute only minor amounts of pollution to the environment, the combined effect of residential neighborhoods has a serious impact on our lakes, streams and groundwater. The residential pledge program helps you learn what you can do as a homeowner or renter to ensure that our water stays clean and healthy. Take the pledge online to go through a checklist of practices you can use to prevent pollution from your home.

Storm water / Ground water
In nature, when it rains the ground typically acts like a sponge, filtering out pollutants and releasing water slowly into surface waters or underground aquifers. Impermeable surfaces such as roadways, parking lots, and rooftops increase water run-off, contributing to water pollution and flooding.

Run-off from streets, driveways, decks and lawns enters storm drains and roadside ditches, draining to nearby streams, rivers, lakes, and marine waters. This run-off often contains pollutants such as sediment from clear-cutting, pesticides and fertilizers applied to property, and soaps and automotive fluids from maintenance activities. The combination of cars, homes, people and animals in the watershed makes pollution from storm water a serious threat to water quality.

I pledge to:
A. Never dump motor oil, antifreeze, or any toxic material down storm drains, or on the ground.
B. Keep storm drains and ditches clean so they can drain water and control flooding.
C. Position downspouts so that rainwater drains onto grass and away from impervious surfaces.
D. Minimize paved or non-porous surfaces when building or remodeling.
E. Use spaced paving stones, field stones, bricks, sand, or gravel instead of pavement.
F. Use environmentally-preferable alternatives to creosote or CCA-treated wood in decks and other outdoor structures.

In The Yard
Everyone loves a green, healthy lawn. But be aware that quick release fertilizers and weed-and-feed type products apply a heavy dose of fertilizer above what your lawn needs. If your need to apply fertilizer, use a slow-release, organic fertilizer in the late fall. It will last longer in the soil than chemical fertilizer and is less likely to leach into streams and groundwater.
Grass clippings fertilize the lawn, help hold moisture, and reduce the need for additional fertilizers. Instead of bagging your clippings, leave them on the lawn. Don't worry, grass clippings will not cause thatch build-up. Thatch is mostly roots and stems, not grass blades.

Did you know that a regular gas-powered mower spews pollutants into the air at ten times the rate of the average car? When it comes time to buy a new mower, think about getting a mulching, electric mower-they are quiet and will finely chop your clippings. Better yet, use a hand-powered, reel mower which gives your grass the healthiest cut and has the least impact on the environment.

The right amount of water is important in keeping your lawn in top shape. Lawns need about one inch of water every week, which you can measure with a rain gauge or a can. Too much water leads to run-off and an unhealthy lawn. Consider letting your lawn go brown and dormant during the summer dry season-it will green up when the rains return. Also consider replacing some of your turf with native ground cover and shrubs, which require less water and maintenance than grass and provide a more interesting landscape.

I pledge to:
A. Test the soil to determine my lawn's fertilizing needs.
B. Use natural slow-release fertilizers instead of "weed and feed" type products.
C. Leave grass clippings on the lawn as a natural fertilizer.
D. Mow with an electric or non-power mower.
E. Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade and mow with a sharp blade.
F. Start a compost pile or take yard waste to the Clean Green Transfer Station.
G. Reduce the size of my lawn by planting native ground cover and shrubs.
H. Avoid over-watering my lawn.
I. Aerate my soil every 2-4 years to discourage weeds and improve water infiltration.
Call the local chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society at 671-3243 for information on native plants.

Weeds & Pests
Most of the insects in your yard and gardens are beneficial, helping your plants grow and eating harmful insects. Harmful insect pests and diseases thrive on plants that are weak. Healthy plants that are well suited to their location are the best prevention against pest and weed damage.

Remember that pesticides (insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) are designed to kill. They can be harmful to your family's health by increasing exposure to toxic chemicals. They pose a considerable threat to our rivers and groundwater, degrading water quality and harming aquatic creatures. They can also kill earthworms and soil organisms that are beneficial to your lawn.

I pledge to:
A. Re-seed thin areas in the lawn to crowd out weeds.
B. Accept a few weeds and some pest damage without resorting to pesticides.
C. Use native plants that stay healthy and resist local pests.
D. Pick harmful insects off plants or spray them off with water.
E. Hand-pull weeds or spot-spray if necessary.
F. If using pesticides, use the least toxic option and only apply the target area.
G. Read pesticide labels and follow application directions carefully.
H. Keep pesticides away from lakes and streams, wells and ditches.
Call RE Sources at 733-8307 for more information on chemical-free gardening.

Septic Savvy
Many homes in Whatcom County have septic systems, and a well-maintained septic system can provide years of reliable service. However, poorly located or neglected septic systems threaten rivers, lakes and groundwater with nutrient and bacteria pollution. In addition, chemical drain cleaners, solvents and some cleaning products can kill the beneficial bacteria that make septic systems function efficiently. When systems fail, property damage, water pollution, and disease outbreaks can occur.

I pledge to:
A. Have my septic tank inspected annually and pumped as needed (every 3-5 years).
B. Watch for signs of septic failure, e.g., standing water, odors, and patches of lush growth.
C. Avoid septic system cleaners and additives, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in the system.
D. Never put garbage or toxic materials (motor oil, pesticides, paint, etc.) down the drain or in toilets.
E. Use biodegradable soaps and less toxic cleaning alternatives.
F. Avoid system overload by spreading water-intensive chores, such as laundry, throughout the week.
G. Install water-saving devices to reduce wastewater volume.
H. Limit or eliminate the use of garbage disposals.
Call the Whatcom County Health Department at 676-6724 for more information on septic system care.

In the Home
Many household products contain hazardous ingredients. If handled improperly, they may end up in our local streams, wetlands or groundwater. Small amounts of toxins from many homes can build up and cause big problems. When choosing a product, take a moment to read the label. Key words can alert us to the hazardous nature of products. "Danger," "Caution," and "Warning" signify products that are potentially dangerous to the environment and animals, including humans. If you choose to use a hazardous product, use the least toxic substance, only as much as you need, and use it up or dispose of it properly.
For free disposal of hazardous products, such as household cleaners, pesticides, oil, paints and solvents, take them to the Disposal of Toxics facility, 3505 Airport Drive in Bellingham. For more information and hours call 380-4640.

I pledge to:
A. All purpose cleaner-mix a cup of vinegar in a pail of water.
B. Bathtub/sink cleaner-sprinkle baking soda, scrub, and rinse.
C. Drain cleaner-pour one-half cup of borax in drain followed by two cups boiling water.
D. Laundry soap-use phosphate-free soaps.
E. Oven cleaner-mix two teaspoons borax and two tablespoons liquid soap in a spray bottle of warm water. Spray on and clean after twenty minutes.
F. Toilet cleaner-scrub with a solution of one-half cup borax in one gallon water.
G. Window cleaner-mix one part vinegar to every four parts water.
Call the Recycling Hotline at 676-5723 for more information on product alternatives.

On the Road
Motor vehicles are a major source of pollution to air and water. They leak oil, antifreeze, and other fluids, and release chemicals, particulates, metals and other compounds into the air and onto the ground. When these pollutants reach water bodies or wetlands they harm fish and wildlife. Soapy water from washing your car or truck contains contaminants, and even biodegradable soaps can take up to a year to degrade. Driving less often and owning a well-maintained fuel-efficient vehicle saves money and resources and helps protect the environment.

I pledge to:
A. Maintain my vehicle with regular tune-ups and fix fluid leaks.
B. Use ground cloths and drip pans under my vehicle when working on it at home.
C. Recycle motor oil with curbside recycling in one gallon clear containers (e.g. milk jugs), or call the recycling hotline at 676-5723 for a list of local recyclers.
D. Dispose of antifreeze at the Disposal of Toxics facility (380-4640).
E. Use re-refined motor oil.
F. Wash my vehicle at a commercial car wash, or on gravel or grass with phosphate-free soap.
G. Reduce vehicle trips and consolidate errands.
H. Use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk whenever possible.
The Disposal of Toxics facility, located at 3505 Airport Drive in Bellingham, is free to Whatcom County residents. For more information and hours call 380-4640.

Around the Water
Trees and shrubs along water bodies provide habitat, food and spawning grounds for salmon and other aquatic life. Plants and wetland areas filter out pollutants before they reach the water. Stream-side vegetation shields streams and rivers from summer and winter temperature extremes that may be fatal to fish, insects and other aquatic life.
The use of motorized watercraft in Whatcom County increases as our population grows. More boats and jetskis mean more pollution in our water. Two-cycle boat engines are particularly wasteful and polluting.
I pledge to:
A. Keep trash and lawn clippings away from ditches, streams and wetlands.
B. Allow a strip of plants and trees to grow along water edges and ditches and at the base of hills.
C. Leave fallen trees, stumps, and branches in streams for fish habitat.
D. Reduce or eliminate the use of motorized watercraft.
E. Try water-friendly alternatives, such as kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and sailboats.
F. Maintain my boat engine to avoid leaks and keep oil-absorbent rags on board to soak up spills.
G. Replace my two-stroke engine with a cleaner, more fuel-efficient four-stroke engine.
Call the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association at 715-0283 for information on how to protect, enhance or restore salmon habitat on or near your property.

Pets / Livestock
Pets and livestock can also take a toll on streams, rivers, and lakes. If livestock, such as horses and cows, are not fenced away from water, they trample vegetation and disrupt fish habitat. Waste from pets and livestock -- such as dogs, cats, horses, cows, and water fowl -- causes significant pollution problems when it enters our water systems. In addition to possibly carrying disease-causing organisms, the high concentrations of nutrients, and organic matter found in animal waste encourage weed and algae growth in lakes and streams, stealing oxygen from fish and other aquatic creatures.
Livestock require extra attention because of the large amount of waste they produce. For example, one cow produces the waste equivalent of 20 humans each day! Proper manure management can reduce water pollution, stream degradation, and habitat destruction.

I pledge to:
A. Clean up after my pets: flush waste down the toilet or dispose of it in the garbage.
B. Stop feeding ducks and geese to discourage them from concentrating in one area.
C. Use fencing to keep livestock out of streams, ditches, and swampy areas.
D. Keep manure piles covered and away from streams, ditches, and wetlands.
E. Establish watering and feeding areas for animals away from slopes leading to bodies of water or wetlands.
F. Get a farm plan from the Whatcom Conservation District (354-2035).
Call the Whatcom Conservation District at 354-2035 for more information on managing livestock and manure.

www.watershedpledge.org