Glastonbury, CT

Watershed Pledge

"I care about protecting the quality of water in our watershed. I know that clean rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands, and aquifers are necessary for health, recreation, and the survival of all creatures. I commit to taking at least four of the following steps to protect our local water resources. I will strive to achieve all where appropriate for my home."

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In maintaining my lawn, gardens, and landscape, I pledge to: (Please select a minimum of 2 commitments)

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In maintaining my lawn, gardens, and landscape, I pledge to: (Please select a minimum of 2 commitments)

Nurture native trees, shrubs, and flowers around my home. I will limit lawn areas. I will plant or allow natural buffers to grow at the edges of streams and wetlands.

Mow my lawn properly, following the rule “mow high and let it lie.” I will use the highest setting on the mower, not cut more than one third of the height of the grass, and allow the clippings to lie as mulch.

Water my yard infrequently or not at all. I recognize that one inch of water a week is usually fine. I will not water overnight or when the sun is high. I will recognize that brown grass is dormant, not dead. It will return to life when rain comes.

Use fertilizer carefully or not at all. I will have the soil tested to determine what my yard needs. I will never apply phosphorus on an established lawn unless the soil is deficient. If necessary, I will use only a slow-release, low-concentration fertilizer or natural compost.

Abstain from using pesticides and herbicides. I will protect children, pets, birds, and butterflies from lawn-care toxins. I will only spot treat if absolutely necessary.

Create natural places for the water to soak into the ground. I will use swales or rain gardens to manage stormwater. I will limit paved areas and will use pervious materials when possible for patios, driveways, and walkways.

Convert my older, conventional irrigation practices to less wasteful ones, such as trickle irrigation, on my cropland.

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In maintaining other areas around my home, I pledge to… (please select a minimum of 2 commitments)

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In maintaining other areas around my home, I pledge to… (please select a minimum of 2 commitments)

Have my septic system pumped regularly

Repair leaky faucets and toilets, and purchase only water-efficient appliances and fixtures.

Use non-toxic cleaners and “green” building materials in my home.

Properly dispose of unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

Dispose of pet waste in the trash or a pet-waste processor (better).

Wash my vehicles in a carwash or on the grass, but not on my driveway, and only use biodegradable soap.

Direct my roof runoff into drywells or other infiltration system if the surrounding soils are permeable, well-drained; and it meets Health Code requirements.

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Contact Information

Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

By checking the boxes above, you have officially pledged to commit to the items selected. The Town of Glastonbury applauds and appreciates your contribution to our community.

1. To receive a copy of your submission, please fill out your email address below and submit.
2. Email Address

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