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Helpful Habits Around the House

If you use water-based paints, rinse paint brushes in the sink. For oil-based paints, filter and reuse paint thinner. Never clean brushes or pour paint in the gutter or the storm drain. If you use substances such as paints, solvents, and cleaners, use them according to directions and avoid spilling.

Pick up trash and litter around your yard and home. If you are working on a home improvement project, dispose of drywall, concrete and mortar in the trash. Don't rinse concrete, mortar, or project debris into the street.

Clean Boating Tips

Any owner of a vessel with an onboard toilet is required to install and use a USCG certified marine sanitation device (MSD). Use designated holding tank pumpout stations.

Rinse your boat only with fresh water after each use. This will reduce your need for cleansers and heavy-duty products.

Use old-fashioned cleaning methods, including baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, borax and "elbow grease".

Vehicle and Garage Tips

Routinely check your car for leaks and keep it properly tuned. Car pooling or using a bicycle for transportation helps reduce pollutants on our streets.

Never pour any chemicals or hazardous substances from cars down a storm drain, on the ground, on driveways, or on parking lots.

When changing fluids from your car, drain into a clean container and seal completely. Take the used oil to a gas station or oil changing facility that collects used oil.

Clean Boating Tips

Unfortunately, raw sewage is not the only threat to the health of Alabama's waterways. As much as we enjoy the waters for recreation, the presence of boats and people both pose significant dangers to water and wildlife. Unless, of course, each and every person who enjoys the water make an effort to protect it. Here are a few suggestions for helping protect the water while you're enjoying it:

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