LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — As families prepare for summer vacations, the Allen Soil and Water Conservation District is encouraging residents to add a few environmental tasks to their travel checklists before leaving home.
Officials say taking a few minutes to prepare for the possibility of summer storms can reduce cleanup around the home while also helping protect local waterways from pollution.
Among the recommendations is cleaning up pet waste before leaving for vacation. Heavy rainfall can wash pet waste into storm drains, carrying bacteria and excess nutrients into nearby streams and rivers.
Homeowners are also encouraged to secure trash and recycling containers to prevent loose items from becoming litter and entering storm drains during high winds or heavy rain.
Another important step is cleaning rain gutters and downspouts by removing leaves and other debris to help prevent drainage problems around the home.
The district also recommends delaying fertilizer applications until after returning from vacation. Rainfall while homeowners are away can wash fertilizer into storm drains before it has a chance to benefit lawns, increasing nutrient pollution in local waterways.
The Allen Soil and Water Conservation District reminds residents that storm drains are designed to move rainwater quickly away from streets and neighborhoods. Unlike wastewater systems, stormwater runoff generally is not treated before it flows directly into local streams, rivers and other waterways.
