Southampton - It's probably not news to anyone on Long Island that our beloved waterways are in trouble, threatened by pollutants of all sorts. Each and every one of us needs to do our part to protect our water resources so we - and our children and grandchildren and future generations - can keep on swimming and kayaking and fishing and boating.

Consider planting a buffer along your property line, such as sweet pepperbush (Clethra). (www.finegardening.com)

During storms, water flows across pavement and runs off into storm drains, eventually ending up in underground aquifers (the source of our drinking water) and the bodies of water which surround us. There are simple things we all can do to keep polluted water out of the system.

Plant A Buffer
The more pavement you have, the more run-off water will leave your property. Instead of paving your driveway with asphalt, consider a permeable pavement like gravel or bluestone, or the new paving material made of recycled glass, that will allow storm water to soak into the ground.

Plant a buffer along your property line, ideally of native plants such as shadbush (Amelanchier), sweet pepperbush (Clethra), and sweetfern (Comptonia) to absorb potential runoff water.

Go "Green" In Your Lawn And Garden
Fertilizers and pesticides are serious threats to water quality. Although you apply these products to your lawn grass, landscaping, or garden plants, whatever portion of the chemicals doesn't get absorbed by plant roots eventually find their way into groundwater, and from there into our bays, rivers, creeks and estuaries. Run-off nitrogen from fertilizers is probably a major contributor to the death of the eelgrass that supports our local shellfish population and other marine life.

Use lawn and garden chemicals sparingly. Don't use more than the package directions recommend - more is not better. And never apply them when rain is forecast. Better yet, don't use them at all. There are may organic fertilizers and pest control products on the market, and they're widely available at local nurseries and garden centers.

Grass clippings are an excellent source of nitrogen. (www.istockphoto.com)

Leave The Clippings
When you mow your lawn, leave the clippings. Grass clippings are an excellent source of nitrogen that will feed your lawn without harming the environment.

Recycle Household Chemicals
Don't dump unused cleaning products, paints and solvents, insecticides, fertilizers, motor oil, antifreeze, or other household chemicals down the drain or pour them on the ground or into storm drains. Instead, recycle them. All East End towns have recycling programs that accept these environmentally hazardous materials on designated days. Call your town for information.

Other Things That Help
 • Rainwater runs off roofs, too. Aim your downspouts so most of the water flows onto your lawn, instead of onto a paved driveway or other hard surface.

 • Pick up after your pet. Pet waste pollutes, too, especially if it is carried right into storm drains by rainwater.

 • Keep your septic system working properly, and replace it if it becomes faulty.

 • Keep your eyes open. If you spot a clogged storm drain, report it to the highway department.

Where To Get More Information
The Suffolk County stormwater website has lots of good information at www.co.suffolk.ny.us/stormwater.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension can provide information on native plants, and pesticide-free lawn and garden care. Call them at 631-727-7850 or find a list of their publications at
www.ccesuffolk.org. Look on the site under "Horticulture Leaflets."

In Southampton Town, join the Southampton Town Lakes and Ponds Association, c/o The Board of Trustees at www.southamptontownny.gov, (click on "Town Trustees" to find it), or call 631-287-5717.

To find out about native plants to use for buffers on your property, call the Southampton Conservation Board at 631-287-5710. One good local source for native plants is Fort Pond Native Plants in Montauk at www.nativeplants.net, or call 631-660-6452.

During storms, water flows across pavement and runs off into storm drains, eventually ending up in underground aquifers. (www.ripoffreport.com)