If you live on a farm, talk to your parents about how much fertilizer, weed and bug sprays they use. Encourage them to use less if possible.

• Do not let your animals wade into the river if it is nearby.  
• Clean up animal waste so that when it rains, it does not flow into the river.
• Planting vegetation near riverbanks help reduce the amount of pollutants that reach the stream. 

Own a Septic Tank

If your home has a septic tank, ask your parents if they have had it inspected in a while
Septic systems should be pumped out every 3 years.   If it is not kept up to date, pollution might leak from it and harm the waterways. 

Signs that your septic tank is failing:

• Sinks and toilets are draining slowly
• Gurgling sounds coming from the plumbing
• Plumbing backups
• Sewage odors in the house or yard
• The ground is wet or mushy around the septic tank
• Grass in one area of the yard is growing faster and greener
• Tests on well water show bacteria present

Source: “A Homeowner’s Guide to On-Site Sewage Treatment and Soil Potential Ratings.” Southwest Missouri Resource Conservation and Development.

If your residence has a septic system:

Do not:

• Do not put grease, solvents, paints, kerosene, gasoline, motor oil, pesticides, chemical drain openers, septic tank additives or cooking fats into home drains or toilets.
• Do not dig in, build over, or drive on your lateral field.
• Do not plant any vegetation on your lateral field except grass.   Roots from other plants will clog the lateral lines.
• Do not go into your septic tank chamber.   Deadly gasses may build up inside the chamber.

Do’s

• Pump your septic tank every 2-5 years.   An inspection every 3 years will help determine if your tank is ready to be pumped.
• Obtain necessary permits from the appropriate local agency before making repairs.
• Use certified installers and pumpers when needed, especially if effluent is surfacing over the lateral lines.
• Keep the septic tank pump chamber cover accessible. Be sure the cover is securely locked and no larger than 12 inches in diameter.
• Keep detailed records of maintenance, repairs, inspections, and permits.

Source: James River Basin Partnership

To Dispose of Harmful Materials

There are some key words to look for to see if a chemical is harmful. These include words on the container like “danger” or “poison”, these materials need to be disposed of properly. Other words to look for are: warning, corrosive, caution, reactive, explosive, toxic, combustible, and flammable. The following products are hazardous and should not be poured down the drain, on the ground, or in the trashcan:

• Products from your garage that are used on cars. These include gasoline, oil, washer fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid, and car cleaners.

• Products used around the house like paint, paint thinner, stain, and varnish. Other harmful leftover materials include batteries and prescription medicines.

• Bug sprays used on lawn, in the house, by you, and on pets

• Toilet bowl cleaner, oven cleaner, tub and tile cleaner, and other household cleaners.

• Shoe polish, lighter fluid, pool chemicals, aerosol cans.

Household Chemical Collection Center

To dispose of harmful chemicals and waste, contact the Household Chemical Collection Center in Springfield at 417-864-2000. Facility personnel will advise regarding safe and proper waste disposal. If the waste is too hazardous, they will advise how to transport the material to the collection center and schedule an appointment to bring the waste to the collection facility. If you do not live in Springfield, call your city hall. Your town should have a day for collection of hazardous wastes.