More Clean Water, Less Pollution

We care about our environment. Help protect Merrill’s natural resources by keeping our lakes and rivers clean.

Stormwater runoff carries pollutants, such as dirt, oil, chemicals and fertilizers, directly into streams and rivers, where they harm water quality, fish, wildlife populations, kill native vegetation, and make recreational areas unsafe and unpleasant. When it rains or snow melts, water that doesn’t soak into the ground runs off into rivers and lakes.

As you begin to mow your lawns and plant your gardens, please remember to keep lawn clippings off City streets and out of the stormwater system. In addition to environmental reasons, grass clippings and debris on streets can be hazardous for cyclists and motorcyclists, especially when braking. A few grass clippings on the road may not seem like much, but when damp or wet they could create a slippery surface.

Here are some simple tips to help keep stormwater runoff clean and soak into the ground:

• Minimize impervious areas on your property.
• Minimize the amount of phosphorus and pesticides used on lawns. Ensure healthy lawns by aerating and setting the mower at 3.5 inches or higher.
• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces. Use rain gardens to help water soak in, or use rain barrels to collect rain water and use it to water lawns and gardens.
• Compost yard waste.
• Clean up pet waste.
• Maintain vehicles to prevent leaks, and recycle motor oil.
• Establish buffers of native vegetation in shoreland areas.

Clean water is everyone’s responsibility. Thank you for doing your part!
For more information, visit https://ci.merrill.wi.us/stormwater