Resources for Residents, Institutions and Business Owners

The Town of Yarmouth is doing its part to manage stormwater. However, everyone living and working in Yarmouth can help manage stormwater and prevent water pollution. The following practices will help reduce the volume of stormwater created and help prevent pollutants from coming in contact with stormwater. Click the links to learn more!
   

  • Utilize water-quality friendly lawn care and fertilizer practices - Follow these simple recommendations to maintain a healthy lawn that is both attractive and safer for the environment. Learn more!
  • Only rain down the drain - Never dump anything down a storm drain.  Anything dumped down a storm drain, such as chemicals, oil, etc. will end up in a local waterbody. Learn more!
  • Reduce the amount of runoff from your property. Plant rain gardens, reduce the amount of impervious surfaces, or install a rain barrel. Learn more!
  • Disconnect roof leaders – Direct roof leaders onto pervious surfaces and away from walkways and driveways so that stormwater can infiltrate into the ground.
  • Redirect sump pumps onto lawns or wooded areas and away from roads. Learn more! 
  • Pick up pet waste and flush it down the toilet. Use the dog park on Buck Island Road in West Yarmouth. Learn more! 
  • Take care of your septic system – Have your septic tank pumped and inspected at least once every three to four years. Plant only grass over your drainfield to avoid damage from roots and do not park or drive on it. Only put washwater and wastewater down the drain. Don’t dump excessive chemicals, medications, food or household products into your system. Learn more!
  • Report illegal dumping into storm drains and waterbodies and other stormwater issues by contacting Brittany DiRienzo at (508) 398-2231 ext. 1288 or at BDiRienzo@yarmouth.ma.us.
  • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and avoid using them before a rain storm. Learn more!
  • Plant native and drought tolerant species that require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
  • Vegetate bare spots in your yard to minimize erosion of soils into local waters.
  • Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and/or waterbody. Learn more!
  • Proper handling of chemicals – If you spill oil or other substances on a road or driveway, immediately clean up and properly dispose of materials.
  • Use the recycling area at the Town solid waste facility off Old Town House Road.
  • Make use of the annual Town hazardous waste collection day.

 Other Resources and Information about Stormwater