RiverWeb: Best Management Practice: Suburb

To limit NPS pollution from paved surfaces households can substitute alternatives to areas traditionally covered by nonporous surfaces. Grasses and natural ground cover, for example, can be attractive and practical substitutes for asphalt driveways, walkways, and patios. Some homes effectively incorporate a system of natural grasses, trees, and mulch to limit continuous impervious surface area. Wooden decks, gravel or brick paths, and rock gardens keep the natural ground cover intact and allow rainwater to slowly seep into the ground.

Xeriscape landscaping provides households with a framework that can dramatically reduce the potential for NPS pollution. Xeriscape incorporates many environmental factors into landscape design-soil type, use of native plants, practical turf areas, proper irrigation, mulches, and appropriate maintenance schedules. By using native plants that are well suited to a regions climate and pests, xeriscape drastically reduces the need for irrigation and chemical applications. Less irrigation results in less runoff, while less chemical application keeps runoff clean.

Septic systems must be built in the right place. Trampling ground above the system compacts soil and can cause the systems pipes to collapse. Also, septic systems should be located away from trees because tree roots can crack pipes or obstruct the flow of wastewater through drain lines. Proper septic system management is also important, and a system should be inspected and emptied every 3 to 5 years.

By maintaining water fixtures and by purchasing water efficient shower heads, faucets, and toilets, households can limit wastewater levels, reducing the likelihood of septic system overflow. Most water conservation technologies provide long-term economic and environmental benefits.

On household lawns and gardens, homeowners can try natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides and apply no more than the recommended amounts. Natural predators like insects and bats, composting, and use of native plants can reduce or entirely negate the need for chemicals. Xeriscape can limit chemical applications to lawns and gardens.

If chemicals are needed around the home, they should be stored properly to prevent leaks and access by children. Most cities have designated sites for the proper disposal of used chemicals.


	Login Vision Development Teachers Students Tour Site Map Team Contact Us		Best Management Practice: Suburb Limit Paved Surfaces To limit NPS pollution from paved surfaces households can substitute alternatives to areas traditionally covered by nonporous surfaces. Grasses and natural ground cover, for example, can be attractive and practical substitutes for asphalt driveways, walkways, and patios. Some homes effectively incorporate a system of natural grasses, trees, and mulch to limit continuous impervious surface area. Wooden decks, gravel or brick paths, and rock gardens keep the natural ground cover intact and allow rainwater to slowly seep into the ground. Landscape With Nature Xeriscape landscaping provides households with a framework that can dramatically reduce the potential for NPS pollution. Xeriscape incorporates many environmental factors into landscape design-soil type, use of native plants, practical turf areas, proper irrigation, mulches, and appropriate maintenance schedules. By using native plants that are well suited to a regions climate and pests, xeriscape drastically reduces the need for irrigation and chemical applications. Less irrigation results in less runoff, while less chemical application keeps runoff clean. Proper Septic System Management Septic systems must be built in the right place. Trampling ground above the system compacts soil and can cause the systems pipes to collapse. Also, septic systems should be located away from trees because tree roots can crack pipes or obstruct the flow of wastewater through drain lines. Proper septic system management is also important, and a system should be inspected and emptied every 3 to 5 years. By maintaining water fixtures and by purchasing water efficient shower heads, faucets, and toilets, households can limit wastewater levels, reducing the likelihood of septic system overflow. Most water conservation technologies provide long-term economic and environmental benefits. Proper Chemical Use, Storage, and Disposal On household lawns and gardens, homeowners can try natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides and apply no more than the recommended amounts. Natural predators like insects and bats, composting, and use of native plants can reduce or entirely negate the need for chemicals. Xeriscape can limit chemical applications to lawns and gardens. If chemicals are needed around the home, they should be stored properly to prevent leaks and access by children. Most cities have designated sites for the proper disposal of used chemicals. From EPA Pointer No. 10 EPA841-F-96-004J Last Modified: October 2000
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