The Louisiana Yards and Neighborhoods (LYN) publication is an excellent resource all homeowners need. Click on the photo to get to the LYN webpage.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, non-point source (NPS) pollution is the nation's leading source of water quality degradation. Although individual homes might contribute only minor amounts of NPS pollution, the combined effect of an entire neighborhood can be serious. These include sedimentation and contamination with unwanted pollutants.

To prevent and control NPS pollution, households can learn about the causes of such pollution and take the appropriate (and often money-saving) steps to limit runoff and make sure runoff stays clean.

Urban and suburban landscapes are covered by paved surfaces like sidewalks, parking lots, roads and driveways. They prevent water from percolating down into the ground, cause runoff to accumulate, and funnel into storm drains at high speeds. When quickly flowing runoff empties into receiving waters, it can severely erode bayou sides. Paved surfaces also transfer heat to runoff, thereby increasing the temperature of receiving waters.

To limit NPS pollution from paved surfaces, households can substitute alternatives to areas traditionally covered by nonporous surfaces. Grasses and natural ground cover, for example, can be attractive and practical substitutes for asphalt driveways, walkways and patios. Some homes effectively incorporate a system of natural grasses, trees and mulch to limit continuous impervious surface area. Wooden decks, gravel or brick paths, and rock gardens keep the natural ground cover intact and allow rainwater to seep into the ground slowly.

Altering the natural contours of yards during landscaping and planting with non-native plants that need fertilizer and extra water can increase the potential for higher runoff volumes, increase erosion, and introduce chemicals into the path of runoff. In contrast, xeriscape landscaping provides households with a framework that can dramatically reduce the potential for NPS pollution.

Xeriscape incorporates many environmental factors into landscape design--soil type, use of native plants, practical turf areas, proper irrigation, mulches and appropriate maintenance schedules. By using native plants that are well-suited to a region's climate and pests, xeriscape drastically reduces the need for irrigation and chemical applications. Less irrigation results in less runoff, and less chemical application keeps runoff clean.

Household cleaners, grease, oil, plastics and some food or paper products should not be flushed down drains or washed down the street. Over time, chemicals can corrode septic system pipes and might not be removed during the filtration process.

For lawns and gardens, homeowners can try natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides and apply no more than the recommended amounts. Natural predators like insects, composting and use of native plants can reduce or entirely negate the need for chemicals. Xeriscape can limit chemical applications to lawns and gardens. If chemicals are needed around the home, they should be stored properly to prevent leaks and access by children and pets.