Stormwater Tips

REMEMBER: The North Andover storm drain system does not provide any treatment for the removal of pollutants; anything that enters the system eventually reaches our waterways.

  1. Don’t dump anything into storm drains—dispose of hazardous waste through North Andover’s ongoing waste oil collection program and bi-annual hazardous waste collection day.
  2. If you see a suspicious discharge to a water body or storm drain (catch basin, slotted manhole), contact North Andover’s Conservation Commission at (978) 688-9530.
  3. Personal property should not be connected to the storm drain system (i.e. laundry hookups or septic systems).
  4. Divert runoff from pavement to grassy, planted, or wooded areas of your property.
  5. Pick up litter or pet waste – waste ends up in our streams either directly or through storm drains.
  6. Reduce fertilizer and pesticide use or toxicity. When mowing the lawn, mulch lawn clippings to provide a natural fertilizer.
  7. When watering your lawn, don’t over-spray. Water that runs off sidewalks and roadways carries contaminants (oil, grease, and metals) into the drain system.
  8. When washing your car, use phosphate free, non-petroleum based cleaning agents.
  9. Sweep up salt and sand on your walkways after snowmelt. Don’t hose down driveways or sidewalks.
  10. Inspect your vehicles & equipment for leaking and damaged parts.
  11. Get involved in your local watershed association (Parker River Clean Water Association, Ipswich River Watershed Association, Merrimack River Watershed Council, etc.)