With the weather warming up, we're all diving into spring yard work. As you tackle your outdoor tasks this spring, keep in mind that the runoff from spring rains will be carried directly to our lakes, streams, and wetlands via storm sewers. Unlike the sanitary sewer systems serving our homes, storm sewers return water to the watershed untreated and unfiltered. Keep your runoff as clean as possible by following these simple tips:

• Never dump lawn clippings, yard trimmings, fertilizer, chemicals, garbage, or other waste into storm sewers or lakes. Even "organic" debris can damage water quality.

• Don't apply lawn fertilizer in natural drainage areas or on hard surfaces.

• Read and carefully follow label directions for all lawn care products, including directions for proper disposal of containers.

• Re-seed any bare spots on your lawn; mulch with straw and keep moist for several weeks.

• If you live on a lake, leave a buffer zone of natural vegetation or unmanaged grass along the shoreline.