Stormwater Issues

Yard Waste
Avoid blowing lawn clippings into the street or dumping them down the storm drain. Once it rains, those leaves and grass clippings will be washed into the Indian River Lagoon. The nutrients they contain could then cause algae blooms, which decrease the amount of light and oxygen in the water, resulting in fish and sea grass kills.

Don't pile yard clippings and tree branches on a storm drain. If possible, wait to put them out until the night before your yard trash pick up and make sure that they are placed on your grass, not any impervious services. Instead, place them on a grassy area or in plastic garbage cans used only for yard waste. If you do use the plastic bins, remember that we still do not want to place them on the storm drains because in a rainstorm, they can still be washed out.

Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing and reuse other yard waste as mulch by spreading them under bushes and flower gardens. The nutrients in these items make them the best and cheapest fertilizers your lawns and gardens can receive.

Composting is another way to reuse leaves, grass clippings and other small cuttings. By mixing these items with household wastes such as vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells and coffee grounds, you create a perfect medium for improving soil structure, promoting soil fertility and stimulating root development in plants.

When landscaping, use native plants. These plants are used to the soils, water and pests common in these areas. They also require less fertilizer than exotic plants. It is important to match the plant species to the conditions in your yards. To learn more about native plants and which ones will work best in your yard, visit the Native Plant Society's website at www.fnps.org.

Fertilizers and Pesticides
When possible, use environmentally friendly alternatives to pesticides. These include insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils, which both can be made easily at your home. To make insecticidal soap, simply mix 2½ tablespoons of liquid dishwashing soap and a gallon of water. These soaps can be used to combat whiteflies, aphids and spidermites. Horticultural oils can be made by combining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil with 2 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing soap and a gallon of water. This alternative helps to eliminate problems with mealybugs and thrips. Click here for additional environmentally-friendly pesticides.

If you must use fertilizers with higher chemical contents, weed killers or pesticides, make sure only to use the amount and frequency directed on the label and only on the affected areas. Remember, in this case, more is not better.

If using a fertilizer, choose one that contains at least 30 percent slow-release nitrogen. Also, check the three numbers on the front of the bag to select the right mixture for the type of plant you are fertilizing. The numbers represent the fertilizer's nitrogen (first number), phosphorus (second number) and potassium (third number) contents. High nitrogen fertilizers on a plant that does not need it is a waste of money and will eventually be washed away by stormwater if not used by the plant.

Mulching
Mulching is another method of reducing stormwater runoff in your yards. Because mulch is porous, it allows rainwater to seep into the ground and forms a firm ground cover, filtering pollutants and holding soil in its place. You can get free mulch at the county landfills in Cocoa, Titusville and Melbourne. It is recommended that you call first to see if there is any available. The phone numbers are 633-1888 for the Cocoa and Titusville landfills and 255-4365 at the Sarno Road complex in Melbourne.

Sprinklers and Downspouts

Turn downspouts of rain gutters into planted areas instead of toward paved surfaces such as driveways. The rain will wash pollutants off the driveways and into the storm drains. The same applies to sprinklers. Make sure they are not watering the streets and driveways instead of the plants.

For more information on mulching, fertilizers and pesticides, please call the University of Florida/ Brevard County Extension Service at 633-1702. Ask them how to obtain your free copy of the Florida Yardstick Workbook, which gives you tips on how to have a beautiful yard and still protect the lagoon from harmful chemicals and nutrients. You can also log on to their website at http://brevard.ifas.ufl.edu.

Car Care

Dispose of used oil at designated collection centers. Do not pour them down storm drains or into the streets. These toxic materials will flow into the lagoon and kill the wildlife. You can call the Brevard County Solid Waste Department at 635-7954 for information on proper disposal methods and your nearest collection site.

Have fluid leaks repaired promptly. Motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, transmission fluids, battery acid, degreasers, radiator flushes and rust preventatives left on streets, driveways and parking lots will eventually end up in the lagoon after a rainstorm. Car drippings can be wiped up or absorbed and disposed of at the county landfill, which is lined to prevent these materials from getting into the water.

Wash your car on the lawn and let the nutrient rich, soapy water fertilize your grass while you are washing the car. Avoid washing your car in the driveway or street. Car wash water adds excess nutrients to the lagoon and can cause algae blooms.

Home Care

Dispose of household hazardous wastes such as household cleaners, batteries and paints at designated collection centers. Avoid pouring these chemicals down the storm drains or into the streets. These materials are toxic and will kill both wildlife and plant life. Again, the Solid Waste Department can advise you as to proper disposal methods and the collection site closest to your home.

Solid Waste also offers a "Drop and Swap" program at the Central location in Cocoa for useable products brought in by residents. Residents are allowed to browse and pickup products including usable household chemicals, automotive fluids and paint products free of charge. For more information on this program and others offered to Brevard County residents, please call them at 635-7954 or check out their web site at www.brevardcounty.us/swr/hazwaste.htm

Pet Care

Clean up after your pets. Pet wastes left on paved surfaces or around storm drains and waterbodies will eventually end up in the lagoon after a rainstorm. Pet waste can be a significant source of nutrients and fecal coliform, bacteria that can potentially harm the thriving shellfish industry the lagoon supports by making them unsafe to eat. When discarding of pet waste, flush it down the toilet or bury it in a hole about six inches deep.

For more information about reducing stormwater pollution or to schedule a meeting with your homeowners association, please feel free to call Brevard County Surface Water Improvement at 633-2014. A healthy future for the Indian River Lagoon depends on your support so please do your part to save this treasure.