February 2014.
After the recent rain, more water flowed in the creek, naturally; though in appearance murkier or dirtier than usual. Whether the muddy color was due to accumulated dirt or something more is being looked into. We encourage neighbors to monitor the creek near their homes and advise of visible pollutants.
With Valentines Day near, let’s show some love for the creek, and think how we can best keep the water running clean. Hopefully, we’ll then see the ducks and their broods return in the spring. And if the creek isn’t clean, perhaps we won’t see the friendly wildlife, and maybe the coyote then looks to our yards and gardens for a drink!
We suggest:
- Choose fertilizer carefully and use no more than recommended. More is not better – take care that excess fertilizer (that’s your money) does not get washed into the storm drains. It causes undesirable plant growth that can harm the creek.
- Do not backwash pool filter material into the storm drains; or backwash or drain pools unless you’re sure the chlorine levels are below City of Dallas minimums. (City of Dallas specifies that pool water discharged into storm drains (via alleys) contain less than 5mg/L chlorine, and have a ph between 6 and 9.)
- Consider converting part of your landscape to xeriscape, using native plant varieties. You’ll use less water, less fertilizer, and need fewer chemicals.
Thanks for your consideration, and Happy Valentine’s.
Vince Punaro & Rebecca Bergstresser