Protecting our lakes is everyone's job.

Whatever runs down a storm drain goes straight to a creek, then a lake. Pollutants such as:

• eroded soil
• antifreeze
• motor oil
• lawn pesticides and fertilizers
• bacteria from sewage

flow straight to our lakes, threatening aquatic life and even leading to bans on swimming.

Prevent surface water pollution   

Fuel Spills

Petroleum spills from boats hurt lake water quality.

• Avoid topping off your tank when refueling your boat
• Ask your fuel dock to install automatic cutoff nozzles
• Install a fuel/air separator to prevent accidental overflows from the tank vent line

Bacteria

Harmful bacteria such as fecal coliform can come from broken or grease-clogged sewer lines on land or from careless boaters.

• Install a Type II Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) and empty it at an onshore pumping station
• Keep your MSD properly maintained
• Reduce the need to pump out your MSD by using onshore restroom facilities when possible

Litter

Litter from boats is not only ugly; it can harm wildlife.

• Dumping garbage from boats is illegal
• Install a garbage can on your boat
• If you see litter in the water, pick it up and dispose of it properly onshore