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How You Can Help
The City of Lafayette is improving water quality in the Wabash River and other streams with significant investments in its sanitary and stormwater capital programs, but every little bit helps. Look through the tabs below to see how residents can do their part to keep local waterways clean by following these simple tips while at home, in the yard, or out and about:
- Check labels of cleaning products for safe ingredients
- Never flush or throw away pharmaceutical drugs
- Contact the sheriff or police department to learn how to properly dispose of pharmaceuticals
- Purchase eco-friendly lightbulbs such as LED bulbs that do not contain mercury. Note: CFL bulbs do contain mercury.
- Dispose of mercury-containing bulbs at:
Tippecanoe County Solid Waste Management DistrictAddress: 2770 N 9th Street Rd, Lafayette, IN 47904Phone: (765) 742-7131
- Properly dispose of unused or unwanted household hazardous waste that is toxic, corrosive, flammable, and/or reactive (i.e. pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, antifreeze, propane tanks) at the Tippecanoe County Solid Waste Management District.
- Or, contact the Lafayette Sanitation Department at 765-807-1411 or visit the Sanitation Department webpage for more information.
- Never put chemicals or oils down storm drains or in drainage ditches
- Greenscaping: Landscaping with reduced amount of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
- Use water conservation practices such as rain barrels
- Plant more native plants instead of sod, for rain gardens for stormwater infiltration
- Apply fertilizer sparingly, according to label instructions and don’t apply if there is rain in the forecast
- Apply fertilizer in the fall where there is less chance of rain
- Mow grass high to promote deep root growth
- Mulch grass clippings back into lawn for rich source of nitrogen
- Compost grass clippings, leaves and other carbon material for free, organic fertilizer
- Put any remaining grass clippings in a bag
- Cover or seed any bare areas in your yard as soon as possible to prevent sediment and soil nutrients from being washed away
- Never leave pet waste behind
- Do not drain pool, fountain, or spa water in storm inlets. Drain this water into the sanitary sewer system if granted permission
- Another option is to dechlorinate the water by letting it stand for several days and release to a vegetated area
- Perform regular maintenance on your car
- Fix any fluid leaks properly and clean up any spills or leaks with any absorbent materials such as kitty litter
- Bring your car to a local car wash. When you wash your vehicle in the driveway, the runoff goes to the storm drain and directly into a waterway
- Place all trash in proper receptacles. Any trash that ends up on the street or sidewalk will get washed into the nearest waterway
- Participate in local stormwater program events such as clean-ups, storm drain marking and environmental education
Report drainage problems and illegal dumping. Visit the Citizen Request Tracker online to report a problem in your neighborhood or call 765-807-1036.
Learn More
- Residents can learn more practical ways to improve water quality by visiting the Indiana Department of Environmental Management website or visiting one of the local water quality organizations listed below.
Tippecanoe County Partnership for Water Quality
Wabash River Enhancement Corp
Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission
Resources
- Check out these documents that detail how you can take steps to prevent stormwater pollution:
- Do's and don'ts of grass clippings: Grass Clippings (PDF)
- How to control grease and prevent blockages: Grease (PDF)
- What you can do to prevent stormwater pollution: Stormwater Solutions (PDF)
- Check out this video that describes how you can help:
- Check out the "Educational Information" tab for more educational videos and documents.