A: Get involved in the stream program in your area.

• Contact your county Soil and Water Conservation District to find out how you can get involved with the development of stream management plans in your area or manage your streamside property better
• Contact the Catskill Watershed Corporation to find out about its annual stream clean-ups.

B: Protect vacant land by selling or donating land or conservation easements.

• Organizations acquiring land or easements for conservation purposes include DEP [link to DEP acquisition page], Watershed Agricultural Council, The Nature Conservancy, the Open Space Institute, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, and other local land trusts.

C: Consider Lawn Care Alternatives

• Learn about effective lawn care practices that reduce or eliminate harmful impacts on water quality.

D: Explore the Home-A-Syst Program

• Learn about steps you can take to decrease pollution risks at your home and on your property.

E: Maintain Your Septic System

• If your home or business relies on a septic system for wastewater treatment, maintain it properly, including having it regularly pumped out.

F: Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste

• Find out about your county’s household hazardous waste collection programs.

G: Manage Your Forest Lands

• Get free technical assistance and/or try a voluntary forest management plan at the Watershed Agricultural Council or the Catskill Forest Association.

H. Educate Children

• Teach children, the next generation of environmental stewards, the importance of protecting water quality and the connection between their activities and the drinking water supply. Visit Frost Valley YMCA, the USEPA's Kids' Stuff and read The Catskills: A Sense of Place Water Resources.

I. Report Potential Sources of Contamination or Any Suspicious Activity in the Watershed

• TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS and report dangerous, unusual or suspicious activity to the DEP Police at 914-245-6694 or 888-426-7433.
  
• In an EMERGENCY, call 911 AND 914-245-6694.