Protecting Mesquite's Water Quality
Sometimes, people pollute our waterways without even knowing it. When it comes to our urban streams, the more you know, the cleaner the flow. Contaminated runoff, called non-point source pollution, is a major cause of pollution in Mesquite's waterways. We can reduce the pollution by keeping waste such as litter, lawn care chemicals, and other waste out of our storm drains and storm water pipelines.
Pesticide Use Recommendations
- Calibrate your sprayer. Too little pesticide is ineffective and too much may harm the environment.
- Properly label all mixed solutions with solution name, date and use information.
- Do not over-water or apply when rain is in the forecast. Pesticides will wash below the plant roots.
- Do not apply when it is windy.
- Read the project label. Try to use low-toxicity, short lived chemicals with low leaching potential to protect groundwater, streams and lakes.
- Treat your animal, home and yard at the same time. Ask your veterinarian about new flea and tick control products for pets.
- Do not pour rinse water into the storm drain or inlet. After application, apply the tank rinse water to the yard.
How to Reduce Pesticide Use
- Landscape for low maintenance and use native plants to aid pest control.
- Attract birds or bats to your yard. They eat many types of insects including flies and mosquitoes. For more information, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Proper Disposal
- Never pour pesticides into a street gutter or a storm water inlet. Please take unused pesticides to the Home Chemical Collection Center at 11234 Plano Road, Dallas, 75243. For more information or hours of operation call (214) 553-1765. Mesquite residents must show proof of residency with driver's licence or utility bill.