Home Improvements

DemolitionPaints, solvents, adhesives, dusts, sediments and household toxics commonly associated with home repair and remodeling activities make their way into the local storm drain system. These items do not get treated before reaching Lake Champlain. Additionally, localized flooding and polluted standing water damages homes and breeds mosquitoes.

Helpful Tips

  • Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Properly dispose of excess paint through a household hazardous waste collection program. For oil-based paints, brush out as much paint and possible, clean with thinner, and then filter and reuse thinner or solvent.
  • Common household cleaners, paint products, and wallpaper and tile adhesives contain toxic substances. Dispose of these products properly.
  • Keep all construction debris away from the street. Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar. Cover excavated material and stockpiles of asphalt, sand, etc. with plastic tarps.
  • Prevent erosion by planting fast-growing annual and perennial grasses, which will shield and bind the soil.
  • Bank and berm around home construction projects to prevent erosion and sediment from clogging streams, stormwater catch basins and stormwater drains.

Learn More

Learn more about painting and water pollution.

Learn more about home repair and water pollution.