Reduce Runoff

Runoff can carry pollutants to the creek, river, lakes, or wetlands. A healthy
lawn can help with water quality and water conservation.
 - Mow high; tall grass creates longer roots & shades out weeds
 - Mulch grass clippings with your lawnmower, returning nutrients to your
lawn
 - Landscape with plants that don’t need much watering (like long-rooted
plants)
 - Wash your car on your grass, using buckets and little soap, OR at a
carwash
 - If you do water your lawn or garden
       • water before 10AM before evaporation rates get high
       • water long and deeply, reducing the need for watering


Retain Rain
It is a resource you can use.
-  Rain gardens
       • These specially designed gardens are small depressions with a palette of long-rooted plants that can capture and infi ltrate stormwater within 24-48 hours.
For more information:
• Anoka Conservation District: (763) 434-2030 x15 or16, OR
www.anokaswcd.org/tech_assist/Rain_Garden_Factsheet.pdf
• University of Wisconsin Extension publication, online: www.dnr.
state.wi.us/runoff/rg/
-  Rain barrels
• These can direct water from your roof to your fl ower gardens or rain
garden, are designed to keep mosquitos out of the barrel, and should
have an overfl ow option.
• Proper sizing is important: approximately 60 gallons of water can be
produced with a 1-inch rainfall for every 100square feet of roof.
(The MN Department of Health does not recommend using
roof runoff on food plants)
For names of suppliers for rain barrels, contact the CCWD at (763)755-0975
or visit www.rainbarrelguide.com.
Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed District