Top Ten Ways to Protect Our Drinking Water

Rain barrel installed at a residence Residential green roof

Get a rain barrel to collect stormwater
Install a rain garden or green roof
Advocate for strong stormwater regulations at the state and county level
Do not fertilize your lawn, or use organic alternatives sparingly
Replace unnecessary lawn with natural plantings
Don’t wash your car in the driveway – go to a car wash (they recycle their wash water!)
Change your oil at a commercial operation
Plant trees
Replace driveways and sidewalks with permeable alternatives (such as permeable pavers)
Call your local government and ask what they can do to help you – many offer assistance with low impact development projects

Compiled by the Potomac Conservancy (www.potomac.org)

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