1) Reduce or eliminate fertilizer use, or at least use slow release, non-soluble fertilizers and avoid algal blooms.

2) Use pesticides sparingly - they can wash off your lawn and reduce oxygen in the Lagoon or kill fish directly.

3) Have septic tanks inspected & cleaned every 3 years

4) Direct rainwater from roof gutters and paved areas away from streets and towards vegetation. Your plants need the fresh water, the Lagoon gets too much.

5) Plant native species, they need less water, no fertilizers and no mowing. They also provide habitat to our native birds.

6) Leave shorelines and canal borders well vegetated. Native plants filter out pollutants that otherwise impacts the Lagoon.

7) Reduce lawn areas. Mowing below three inches increases the need for fertilizer and only triggers faster growth.

8) When boating, use pumpout stations and shoreside toilets. Human waste contains millions of colonies of bacteria.

9) Recycle monofiliment line. It entangles mammals and fish.

10) Contact the Extension Service to learn about Florida Certified Yards, and have your neighborhood join adopt-a-drop.