Proper disposal of paint, gasoline, car oil, aerosol cans like wasp spray, battery acid, herbicides, pesticides, or varnishes includes not pouring them down the drain, not dumping it out on the grass or driveway, and not putting them in your regular trash. These products can cause injury to sanitation works, contaminate septic tanks, leach into groundwater, or explode in transit to the landfill. Learn where to properly dispose of these household items by visiting our webpage or learn more by watching this video.

To request a staff member to come talk to your group on proper household hazardous waste disposal, click here.

All our landscapes in Washington County receive frequent rain events, but where does all the water go and how is it stored? Typically, rainwater can take two paths, it can either head for rivers, streams and lakes or it can filter into various wetlands. To learn how you can keep rainwater clean before it reaches the lakes we swim in, visit our webpage or learn more by watching this video.

To learn why wetlands are crucial for storing and filtering water and how you can help protect them, visit our webpage or learn more by watching this video.

To request a staff member to come talk to your group on wetlands or stormwater, click here.

A properly working septic system will keep bacteria and pathogens out of your drinking water, lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.  Household waste is loaded with disease- causing bacteria and viruses.  A well-working septic system will remove most of these pollutants.  An improper working system can cause groundwater contamination and spread disease as well as contaminating surface waters. Learn how you can protect water quality by maintain your septic system by visiting our webpage or learn more by watching this video.

To request a staff member to come talk to your group on septic system maintenance, click here.

Soil is the basis for growing food and every year we lose valuable soil and nutrients off our farm fields when it rains. Keep your soil healthy and on your field by minimizing tillage, maximizing soil cover, maintain living roots the whole year, and integrating livestock. Learn more about how soil health by visiting USDA’s webpage or learn more by watching these videos.

To request a staff member to come talk to your group on soil health or nutrient management, click here.

A healthy lake is essential for maintaining biodiversity, supporting local ecosystems, and providing clean water for both human and wildlife use. Recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating, which help to bolster local tourism, economies, and quality of life, also rely on a healthy lake ecosystem. Washington County strives to support the health of our surface waters via pollution control, sustainable development, conservation efforts, and public outreach to ensure long-term environmental stability and public well-being. Learn more by visiting DNRs webpage or by watching these videos.  

To request a staff member to come talk to your group on lake ecology, identifying aquatic plants, aquatic invasive species, or how you can protect your lake, click here.