Washington Waters > What you can do

What you can do

Manure management on small farms or acreages

Manage manure. Collect, cover and compost.

• Use downspouts to direct runoff from buildings away from manure.
• Pile manure and keep it under cover in a convenient site that's sheltered from heavy winds.
• Pick up manure from farm yards and paddocks at least every 3 days.
• When using a tarp for a cover, use a durable, heavy-weight one large enough to fully cover the pile. Secure it well.
• Work with the local conservation district office to make a plan and learn how to best handle your manure. You may be eligible for cost sharing to put your plan into action.
• Build a compost system or have an off-site compost facility collect the manure.
• Use our Washington Waters campaign materials to spread the word:

Dog poop

Scoop it. Bag it. Trash it!

• Pick up your dog's waste. Use a plastic bag, scoop or disposable gloves. Remember to wash your hands afterward.
• Seal the waste inside a plastic bag (or two) and throw it in the garbage.
• Keep dog poop out of septic systems and sewer systems. These systems are designed for human waste only.
• Carry plastic bags when taking your pet for a walk or a romp in the park.
• Pick up after your dog in your yard at least once a week—more often if you have small children that play there.
• Use our Washington Waters campaign materials to spread the word:

Yard care

Treat with care. Right dose at the right time.

• Read the label. Follow the instructions.
• Use fertilizer sparingly. Many plants don't need as much as you might think. Too much can even harm them. Also, roots, leaves and fruits need different nutrients. Test your soil to find the right dose and type to match the your plants' needs.
• Don 't treat your lawn or garden right before a rainstorm.
• Use slow-release fertilizers and other more environmentally friendly products.
• Try non-chemical alternatives. Use compost. Plant companion plants that deter pests. Pull weeds by hand. Use mulch. Trade lawn for native groundcover or shrubs.
• Get expert advice about lawn and garden products from Master Gardeners at your county WSU Extension office.
• Use our Washington Waters campaign materials to spread the word:

On-site (home) septic systems

Check it, fix it, maintain it.

• Get regular inspections and maintenance. Check with your county Environmental Health office for advice. You may be able to do this yourself. The current state Board of Health rule for on-site sewage systems requires a full evaluation every three years for a system consisting of a septic tank and a gravity drainfield. All other systems must have a yearly evaluation. You may not need to pump every time, but it's good to budget as though you will.
• Choose a date or time of the year for inspection that's easy to remember. Mark it on the calendar.
• Learn how to keep your system functioning —what you can and can't flush or pour down the drain. No pet waste, medications, grease or toxic chemicals. If you have a garbage disposal, don't use it or use it sparingly.
• Keep trees at least 30 feet from edge of drainfield to keep their roots from invading.. And never drive over the system.
• Watch for cues that your tank is nearing capacity or your system is failing. Got odors? Get someone out to check it right away. Then fix it, if needed.
• Conserve water. Too much can cause solids to escape your tank and plug your drainfield.
• Use our Washington Waters campaign materials to spread the word:

Fueling recreational boats

Don't leave a sheen. Prevent drips, spills and overfills.

• Know how much fuel your tanks hold. Fill only to 90% capacity to leave room for expansion, especially during warm weather. Don't top off your tanks.
• Hold the nozzle when refueling – don't use a hands-free clip.
• Use an absorbent pad or fuel collar device around the nozzle to catch drips before they spill into the water.
• Watch and listen for cues that your tank is nearing capacity. Stop before any fuel can escape from your tank vents. Have an absorbent pad ready to catch any fuel that escapes.
• Wipe up all spills and drips on deck and dispose of absorbent pads properly.
• Report all spills into the water to the U.S. Coast Guard and Washington's Emergency Management Division — it's the law. To report spills, call 800-OILS-911.
• Use our Washington Waters campaign materials to spread the word:

Car washing

Don't feed soap to the storm drain. Wash right.

• Use a commercial car wash, either self-serve or machine wash.
• Wash on lawns or other surfaces where water can seep into the ground.
• Divert water away from storm drain.
• Charity Car Washes:
  • Sell commercial car wash coupons instead
  • Borrow a pump kit to send the soapy runoff to a sanitary sewer
  • Locate the wash to divert wash water into the sewer, not the storm drain
  • Rent a “Bay for a Day” at a self-serve car wash that is hooked up to sanitary sewer.
• Use our Washington Waters campaign materials to spread the word:

Car maintenance

Don't leave a sheen. Maintain your car.

• Change your motor oil and help keep our waters clean.
• Stop drips. Check for oil leaks regularly and fix them promptly. Keep your car tuned to reduce oil use.
• Use ground cloths or drip pans beneath your vehicle if you have leaks or are doing engine work. Clean up spills immediately. Collect all used oil in containers with tight fitting lids. Do not mix different engine fluids.
• Never dispose of oil or other engine fluids down the storm drain, on the ground or into a ditch.
• Recycle used motor oil. Many auto supply stores and gas stations will accept used oil.
• Buy recycled (re-refined) motor oil to use in your car.
• Use our Washington Waters campaign materials to spread the word: