Each property owner can help to protect and preserve our environmental resources at Lake Tahoe. Simple things such as reducing waste and pollution, conserving water and other resources, using fertilizer sparingly and wisely, using public transportation and installing the required BMPs can help to save Lake Tahoe for future generations.

Each homeowner also plays a critical role in reducing the impact of urban runoff resulting from development. Runoff from residential areas transports nutrients and sediment to surface waters, adversely affecting the water quality and clarity of Lake Tahoe.

BMPs designed to prevent nutrient and sediment loading to Lake Tahoe, are required on all commercial properties, on the public roadways, and yes, even on our own private property. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) recommends that you have your residence evaluated for BMPs. Typically, a BMP retrofit for a residential property entails measures such as spreading mulch over exposed soil areas, paving dirt driveways, and in some cases installing infiltration systems next to driveways and under roof driplines.

When you're fertilizing the lawn, remember you're not just fertilizing the lawn. The rain washes fertilizer along the curb, into the storm drain, and directly into our streams and Lake Tahoe. This causes algae to grow, which decreases the clarity of the lake. So if you fertilize, please follow directions and use sparingly.

Please don't waste water - To irrigate your lawn efficiently and avoid over-watering, you should perform an "irrigation audit" (or "can" test) on your sprinkler system. If you are applying more than 1 and one-half inches of water per week in spring or fall, or more than 2 inches per week in July and August, you are over-watering and perhaps leaching nutrients down into the groundwater.