Denton County Pollution Prevention Information

Preventing pollution from entering our waterways is the most cost effective way to deal with pollution.

So what is pollution, and how can you prevent it from entering our streams? The links above deal with the most common types of pollution, and how to deal with them to keep them out of our waterways. But it takes responsibility on the part of individuals to really make a difference.

If you are interested in assisting in the pollution prevention campaign there are many activities you can do to help. One of the first is to keep an eye out for illegal dumping activities. You can report illegal dumping here. Please remember not to attempt to stop an illegal dumping in progress. Take down as much information as possible, and report the activities.

Denton County is currently researching the possibility of creating a "Keep Denton County Beautiful" council to implement an "Adopt-A-Spot" volunteer program and other clean up activities. If you are interested in volunteering time, services, or are otherwsie interested in the development of the KDCB council, please contact Howard Redfearn at (940)349-2997 or howard.redfearn@dentoncounty.com.

What are Household Hazardous Wastes?

Household products that have the potential to cause harm to the environment, or people, if disposed of improperly. Items such as: bleach, paints/stains/varnishes, solvents and cleaners, automotive cleaners, household and car batteries, tires, appliances, ammunition, etc...

The County, and many other municipalities in the area, periodically hold HHW collections. It is best to hold your HHW in their original containers until one of these collections. Some materials can be collected any day at certain locations. Most cities, and many of the car repair or auto parts stores, allow customers to bring in used motor oil or anitfreeze for recycling. This helps keep the costs of these products down as well as dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner.

It is important that these substances are not placed in gutters, down storm drains, or along fence lines. There is a reason used motor oil is a great edger, it is extremely toxic. While a small amount is not a big problem, several small amounts from all over the County add up to big problems in our lakes and streams. Fish will become more difficult to catch and water will become more expensive to treat.

Recreation sewage is not a pollutant many people think about, but it is an important one none the less. Many recreation vehicles have toilet facilities located on board. If these systems are flushed directly into our waterways, or even onto a grassy surface, they can lead to severe problems with water quality.

Pollution Prevention

As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer system, drainage ditch, or directly to a stream or lake. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the watershed we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water.

By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect lakes and streams. Remember to share the habits with your neighbors.

Healthy Habits for Clean Wate

Vehicle and Garage

Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local water body.
Check your car, boat, motorcycle and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.
Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them into your trash.

Lawn and Garden

Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local water body.
Select native plants and grasses that are drought- and pest-resistant. Native plants require less water, fertilizers and pesticides.
Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
Don’t overwater your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day and don’t let water runoff into the storm drain.
Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local water bodies. VVegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.

Home Repair and Improvement

Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drain and protect them from debris and other materials./li>
Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.
Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.
Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible.
Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program or donate unused paint to local organizations.
Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for water during dry periods. CConsider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.

Pet Care

When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. LLeaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local water bodies.

Swimming Pools

Drain your swimming pool only when a test kit does not detect chlorine levels./li>
Whenever possible, drain your pool or spa into the sanitary sewer system.
PProperly store pool chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to stormwater.

Septic System Maintenance

Have your system periodically inspected by a professional and have the septic tank pumped as necessary./li>
Care for the septic system by not driving or parking vehicles on it. Plant only grass over and near the drain field to avoid damage from roots.
Flush responsibly. Flushing household chemicals like paint, pesticides, oil, and antifreeze can destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system. Other items such as diapers, paper towels, and cat litter can clog the septic system and potentially damage components.