This fact sheet describes BMPs you can adopt on your shoreland property to help protect and preserve water quality. In many cases, the best management for shorelands may be retaining the natural characteristics of your property. Minimizing the use of hazardous products and properly handling those that are used can preserve water quality. Many common household cleaners and home improvement products contain ingredients that are corrosive, toxic, or flammable. When used improperly or disposed of improperly, these products can become personal health and safety concerns and can also cause problems in the environment, contaminating ground water and soil and eventually reaching surface waters.
Smart Shopping Think twice before buying household cleaning and maintenance products.
General purpose products may work just as well as products developed for a specific surface or appliance. Some products may contain hazardous ingredients, such as degreasers, which contain petroleum distillates. Alternatives to hazardous cleaning products are cheaper and some are equally effective. Do not use pesticides unless you have tried all other alternatives without success. If you must use a hazardous product, read the label carefully before purchasing.