Always triple rinse applicator containers
after each use. And always, store unused
and unwanted pesticides in their original
container.
When disposing of unwanted or "unknown"
pesticides or chemicals, give them to
approved collectors during your town or
county's annual hazardous waste collection
pick up days.
Choosing Beneficial Landscaping
Beneficial landscaping calls for a more
natural or informal design by using a greater
variety of plant species, most of which
should be native to your area. By creating a
less formal design, plants can assume their
natural shape and size and therefore reduce
the need to trim and prune as often.
By choosing a greater variety of plants,
shrubs and grasses, you will substantially
reduce the potential for disease and pest
infestations. Any damage that might occur
will be less noticeable.
When extending your planting beds and
reducing your lawn area, you change the
way you maintain your lawn.
In general, don't cut more than one-third of
the grass blade, and never more than one
inch total at one mowing. The short
clippings, when left on your lawn, will
decompose and return to the soil as natural
fertilizer (nutrient). These clippings will also
assist your lawn's ability to retain moisture,
reduce soil erosion and substantially reduce
the amount of grass clippings ending up in
landfills.
Limit your use of man- made chemical
(inorganic) pesticides. In a balanced, natural.
healthy garden most diseases and harmful
insects are kept in check by natural
predators. Therefore, you'll want to
encourage these beneficial predators to
inhabit your garden. Some of those
predators include birds, ladybugs, toads,
praying mantis and certain other plants.
Conserving water in the garden starts with
selecting the appropriate plants for your
climate (zone) light, moisture, soil and
temperature ranges. Cluster plants with like
requirements and apply mulch, decaying
leaves or other organic material that will
decompose naturally while adding moisture.
nutrients and beneficial organisms to the soil
simultaneously. These natural elements are
very important components in the
maintenance of healthy lawns and gardens.
For more horticultural information contact
the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society at
215 988 8877 or www.libertynet.org/phs
EPA Region III
Customer Service Hotline 1 800 438 2474
Printed on 100% recycled
100% chlorine free paper
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA 903F01001
February 2001
Drinking Water Branch
Beautiful Gardens Can Be
Environmentally Friendly
Lawn & Gardening
Tips to Protect Your
Drinking Water
http://ww w.ep8.gov/reg3wapd/drinkingwater/index him
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Caring for your lawn and garden in an
environmentally sensible way can have a
bigger impact than you might think. Your
lawn is only a small piece of land, but all the
lawns across the country cover a lot of
ground. You and your lawn-care activities,
along with everyone else's, can make a
difference to the environment. That's why
taking care of the environment begins in our
own backyards.
The use of fertilizers and pesticides on
residential lawns is very common in most
communities. But people who overuse or
apply lawn-care products in the wrong way
can expose themselves, their families and
pets to unhealthy chemicals.
Beneficial insects and other wildlife are often
killed. Not only that, pesticides and fertilizers
can contaminate our drinking water if they
are not handled, stored or disposed of
properly.
It can be very difficult to get pollutants out of
water once they get there. Expensive
treatments or new wells may be required to
get safe drinking water again. Homeowners
frequently use fertilizers to feed plants and
pesticides, herbicides and fungicides to kill or
control weeds, insects, and fungi that attack
their lawn or garden plants. Since these
chemicals are not totally absorbed into these
plants, they can move through the soil and
into the groundwater. Similarly, water that
runs off lawns and gardens can carry
chemicals to our streams, lakes, ponds and
bays, degrading water quality and harming
aquatic life.
You can protect your drinking water source
through careful and accurate use of
pesticides, and improved pest management
while at the same time, adapting your lawn
and garden to become more environmentally
friendly. Below are some tips to help you
get started.
._ *. ••- '---^«-
-i -V *"
Managing Your Use of Lawn Care
Products
Be sure you have accurately identified the
pest attacking your plants so you can choose
the proper chemical for the job. In most
cases, it's not necessary to treat the entire
lawn, shrub or garden; particularly if the
problem is confined to specific areas.
Before mixing or using, read the entire label,
follow the instructions exactly as stated for
each specific purpose. Use only the amount
recommended and only at the times and
specified conditions on the label.
After using the pesticide, sweep any left over
spills from the driveway, sidewalks or curbs
and apply the spillage to the appropriate
planted areas. This will prevent the pesticide
residue from leaching into storm drains,
nearby streams, ponds or lakes.
To help prevent drift or runoff, never apply
pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or fertilizers
on windy or rainy days.
Keep children and pets away from pesticides
and make sure no one walks on the treated
area for at least the time recommended on
the pesticide label.
Well Owner Protection
People with their own private wells or springs
for drinking water need to be particularly
aware of the potential for polluting sources
since their water supply may not be tested for
contaminants often enough.
When mixing or preparing pesticides for use,
choose a site as far away from your well as
possible. Mix only the amount needed for the
job intended so that none of the chemical
residue remains in the sprayer or tank.
Do not spray or apply pesticides near your
well and avoid spraying near walkways
and/or driveways.
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