MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Did you know simple tasks like mowing the lawn and washing your car can pollute our lakes and streams if not done correctly. These tasks can create illicit discharges.

Illicit discharges are generally any discharge into a storm drain system this is not composed entirely of storm water. This includes soapy water, pet waste, grass clippings and oil from your car.

Here's what you can do to stop illicit discharge and keep only rain in the drain. Wash your car on the lawn instead of in the driveway. This allows the grass and soil to soak up the soapy water instead of allowing it to run from the driveway into a storm drain.

Check your oil. Make sure that oil from your vehicle is not dripping onto the cement. When it rains the oil may get carried into storm drains with the storm water. Sweep up all grass clipping immediately after you mow the lawn so the grass dirt and debris do not end up in a storm drain. Clean up after your pet to reduce pet waste traveling to local waterways.

Properly dispose of household hazardous material such as paint and motor oil to a local collection event. Never dump anything down a storm drain. If you see someone dumping something into a storm drain report it to your local public works department. You can also contact the Michigan Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) at 800.292.4706.