Reduce Pollution at Home | Fort Wayne City Utilities

IN THE HOUSE

Take a Clear Choices Clean Water action pledge — Make a difference!
Purchase household and garden products that are the least toxic to the environment.
When using chemicals, detergents, and pesticides, use only the amount recommended by the manufacturer and use them according to the directions. Avoid overruns onto hard surfaces like sidewalks and driveways.
Don’t wash paint brushes, paint buckets, rollers or roller trays outside where paint can run to the storm drain.

Learn more about green landscaping practices.
Water your lawn only when necessary, check your hoses for leaks, and make other choices to reduce outdoor water use.
Use a phosphorus-free fertilizer or no fertilizer at all on your lawn. Unnecessary fertilizer can quickly run off into storm drains and cause algae blooms among other harmful effects.
Responsibly maintain your swimming pool and use best practices when draining it.
Sweep sidewalks and patios rather than hosing debris into street gutters or drains.
Avoid using pesticides or herbicides in your yard and garden. If you do use them, use them properly. The EPA’s website contains information about specific types. You may also want to download a copy of the EPA’s Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety (a very large PDF file).
Garden organically or use alternatives to chemicals when possible.
Pick up pet poo. Pet waste contains bacteria, nutrients, and parasites that can be harmful to aquatic life and public health. Picking up and properly disposing of pet waste is an easy way to improve water quality.
Disconnect your downspout.
Know more about cleaning your pool and spa.
Install a rain barrel to slow down runoff, reduce your water bill, and improve drainage problems.

Have your car tuned up regularly to make sure it is operating as cleanly as possible with no leaks of oil or other fluids. Fix car leaks right away. Use dry methods to clean up any fluids that have leaked.
Find a location near you to recycle motor oil, antifreeze, and other automotive fluids.
Use a car wash to take precautions when washing your car at home