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Resources for Stormwater Pollutants of Concern

Resources for Stormwater Pollutants of Concern

The City of New Britain is doing its part to manage stormwater. However, everyone living in New Britain can help manage stormwater and prevent water pollution. The following practices will help reduce the volume of stormwater created and help prevent pollutants from coming in contact with stormwater. Click the links below to learn more!

  • Take care of your septic system – Have your septic tank pumped and inspected at least once every two or three years. Plant only grass over your drainfield to avoid damage from roots and do not park or drive on it. Only put washwater and wastewater down the drain. Don’t dump excessive chemicals, medications, food or household products into your system. Learn more! 
  • Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of phosphorous flowing into the storm drain and/or waterbody.
  • Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly to minimize nitrogen and phosphorous impacts. Fertilizers contain nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen that can cause too much plant growth such as algae in waterbodies. This can lead to problems with boating, fishing, shellfish harvesting and swimming. Learn more!
  • Practice good lawncare techniques – leave lawn clippings on the ground; as they decay, they provide a natural fertilizer to the ground. Piles of old grass clippings can cause nutrients and bacteria to enter waterbodies. Minimize water usage to conserve water. Create a compost pile or bin to use as localized fertilizer but keep it away from wetlands and waterbodies. Learn more!
  • Reduce the amount of sediment runoff from construction development–Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing them off. Washing these areas results in sediment and other pollutants running off into streams, rivers and lakes.
  • Use erosion controls– install perimeter controls such as hay bales and silt fences, and reduce the total amount of impervious cover on your construction site.
  • Prevent inflow and infiltration from your property– As a property owner you are responsible for maintaining the sewer lateral (pipe) that connects your house to the sanitary sewer system. You can help reduce I&I in a number of ways.
  • Do not feed waterfowl–Supplemental feeding by people is unnecessary and potentially harmful to waterfowl. Learn more! 
  • Pick up pet waste and flush it down the toilet. Learn more!
  • Properly dispose of your mercury-containing items–Do not throw away your mercury-containing items, take them to a hazardous waste collection day or an electrical wholesaler. Learn more!