Residential Stormwater

Cities and towns have many impervious surfaces, such as driveways, roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and rooftops, that water cannot penetrate. Instead, stormwater flows over these impervious surfaces picking up pollutants, oil, and other toxic chemicals carrying them straight to storm drains, which eventually drain into your local lake or stream.

There are many steps you can take as a homeowner to prevent residential stormwater pollution. We all have a part in reducing pollution from stormwater runoff. Learn about some practices you can do at home and on your property to help protect and improve water quality.

Landscaping & Water Quality

Water-conserving landscape at Utah House

Water Quality Impacts from Artificial Turf and Xeriscaping

Two popular water-conserving landscape options are artificial turf and xeriscaping. While conserving water is highly important with continuing drought, climate change, and population growth, homeowners should also be aware that water leaving their properties carries pollutants to Utah’s waterways. The choice of plants and turf, hardscaping materials, soil, and chemical treatments impacts the water quality of landscape runoff. When planning a water-wise landscape, homeowners need to consider how to conserve water as well as how to minimize impacts to water quality.

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Homeowner's Guide

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10 Ways to Reduce Your Water Quality Footprint at Home

Non-point source pollution comes from various sources, including common household products. Learn about practices homeowners can implement to reduce their water quality footprint.