Ways We All Can Help the River! Each and everyone of us is responsible for the condition of the Neuse. Each of us contributes something to the poor quality of the water. Let's all share in the responsibility of cleaning it. As individuals there are many things, small and large, we can do to help lower excessive nutrient and pollution levels. Let's clean up our act. Here are some things we all can do right now!
LAWN & GARDEN When you spread a fertilizer on your lawn or garden a good chunk of it ends up in the river the next time it rains...no matter where you live. Actually, if you'll send soil samples to be tested, you may discover you don't need any fertilizer. Test kits may be obtained from the agricultural extension office in your county. All the runoff from rain goes somewhere, and that somewhere is in the ditches, streams, and creeks in our basin. They all eventually dump into the Neuse River.
PESTICIDES Try not to use them! Other methods are better for the river and you. Use good bugs that eat bad bugs (i.e. ladybugs eat aphids). There are some pesticides that are less toxic to you and the water. Consult your local greenhouse or nursery.
CONSERVE WATER Use less. We're running out of quality water. We all need to cut back. Here's how: * Use a water conserving toilet. * Use a shut-off nozzle on your garden hose when you wash your car or water your garden. * Be efficient about when you water your garden. Avoid doing it in the heat of the day when most of the water evaporates. Consult your local nursery for water conservation tips. * Turn off water when you brush your teeth. You only need it to rinse. Why waste the rest? * Fix leaky faucets and shower heads. * Use water-saving shower heads. * For cooking water, put a container of water in your refrigerator instead of running your tap until the water cools down.
STOP TOSSING STUFF INTO THE RIVER! No matter what it is! Even biodegradable materials like leaves, sticks, food, animal carcasses, urine, and lots of other things contain very high levels of nitrogen.
SEPTIC SYSTEMS Is your still working properly? When did you last have the tank pumped out? Many systems installed years ago may have long since failed.
RiverSmart To learn more about what you can do to help, visit .