Reduce Your Pollution Contribution

Use chemicals sparingly in your garden or on your lawn. They're dangerous for children and rivers.

All Drains Lead to the Ipswich River! That means whatever you flush down your sink or your toilet ends up in the river — water treatment plants only remove some kinds of pollution. Those storm drains you see along the road and area parking lots, those drain to the river, too. The rain carries whatever you spray on your plants or leave on the ground through those drains and into the nearest creek!

More and more Massachusetts residents are taking steps to prevent water pollution inside and outside their home.

Here easy tip for how to do your part:

Dog waste belongs in the trash, not left on the ground where it will wash into the river.

1. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly or never on your lawn. Compost organic waste and use the compost as fertilizer.
2. Take toxic wastes like paint and paint thinners, automotive fluids, and cleaning products to appropriate collection sites. (Visit Earth 911 to find one near you). Don’t pour them down the drain!
3. If you have a septic system, follow a regular maintenance schedule with frequent pumping and proper maintenance of your leach field.
4. Pick up after your dog and properly dispose of pet waste. Don’t throw it down a storm drain. Don’t leave it on the ground, even if it’s your own yard.
5. Use pump-out facilities for your boat and keep it well-maintained.
6. Don’t litter — and join us for our next river cleanup!