Insecticides, Herbicides and Fertilizers Affect Water Quality
Stormwater picks up and carries pollution as it runs off of rooftops, parking lots, lawns and other surfaces. The polluted stormwater that flows through storm drains does not get treated before emptying into our streams, rivers and lakes.
Even small amounts of commonly used chemicals, such as insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers, can be dangerous to human health and degrade water quality. Insecticides and herbicides can damage or kill aquatic animals and plants. Fertilizers accelerate algae growth. Excessive algae growth can affect oxygen levels in our waterways, harming beneficial aquatic wildlife.
The practice of integrated pest management is encouraged to minimize these negative impacts.
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
Integrated pest management is a highly effective approach that minimizes the use of chemicals and maximizes the use of natural processes. Chemical insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers should be the option of last resort. IPM involves three different control methods:
Biological: Using natural enemies of a pest, such as lady bugs to control aphids
Cultural: Using gardening methods, like mowing high to shade out weeds
Chemical: Using chemical applications correctly and sparingly
Safer Insecticide, Herbicide and Fertilizer Use
When a problem arises that cannot be managed with natural methods alone, careful chemical use may be necessary. Here are some tips for safe application of chemical insecticides, herbicides and fertilizer when they must be used:
- To minimize broad use chemicals, use a chemical that addresses the particular pest, plant or weed.
- Utilize non-aerosol chemical applications.
- Choose the least toxic products available. For instance, baits and traps are safer options than applied chemicals.
- Buy ready-to-use products. Concentrated chemicals could spill and cause a great deal more damage to waterways and wildlife.
- Never put chemicals down any drain.
- Sweep up excess amounts of insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers and dispose of properly; never wash them into storm drains.
- Use kitty litter or other absorbent material to clean up spills; then dispose of used absorbent properly.
- Read labels and follow instructions exactly for insecticide, herbicide and fertilizer use.
- Do not apply chemical insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers when rain is imminent or on bare soil.
- Do not assume your lawn needs fertilizer. Test your soil for nutrient levels and fertility.
- Use earth-friendly fertilizers low in nitrogen and phosphorus and pesticide free (avoid "weed and seed" varieties).
Safer Storage of Chemicals
- Always store chemicals in their original container, in a place inaccessible by children and pets.
- Never remove labels.
- Clearly mark containers, applicators and utensils used for mixing or applying chemicals, store them with the chemicals and never use them for any other purpose.
Safer Disposal of Chemicals
Dumping of unused chemicals down a drain or on the ground can be illegal. Dispose of unwanted or unused portions of insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers properly through the Indianapolis ToxDrop program. For disposal locations, call 327-4TOX or visit www.indy.gov/ToxDrop.
How You Can Help
Everyone can help keep common pollutants out of our waterways by adopting these practices:
- Don't over-water your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day, and don't let water run off into a storm drain.
- Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard.
- Clean up your pet's waste. It can end up in our waterways.
- Use a car wash instead of washing your car in your driveway.
- Consider innovative approaches to stormwater management, such as using rain barrels, planting rain gardens or using green roofs.
- Clear trash and debris from storm drains and driveway pipes.
- Dispose of paint, motor oil and cleaning products properly. Call the ToxDrop program at 327-4TOX for more information.
Download a brochure about Insectices, Herbicides and Fertilizer use.