The Hodgson Brook Watershed encompasses 2,135 acres in the heart of Portsmouth, NH. The Hodgson Brook Restoration Project seeks to improve the water quality and habitats of Hodgson Brook through monitoring, education, and building community partnerships. The project is funded by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and managed by Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation.

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Here are ten simple things every homeowner can do to help reduce the amount of pollutants that are carried into Hodgson Brook.

1. Never dump anything down a storm drain or drainage ditch.  The storm drain system conveys storm water directly to a brook or stream and eventually into the Gulf of Maine without any treatment.

2.  Properly dispose of all trash, rubbish and garbage.  Trash that is left in your yard or on the street will eventually end up in the closest brook or stream.

3.  Place your cigarette butts in the proper receptacle. Don't throw them on the ground where they can wash into a storm drain. (It takes 5 years for a cigarette butt to decompose)  

4.  Recycle used motor oil.  Find out if your local community or gas station will accept used motor oil and take it there.  Whatever you do, never dump motor oil, gasoline, or solvents down a storm drain!

5.   Wash your car in the grass, or take to a commercial car wash. Your car has oils and greases that wash off and then flow into the storm drains, polluting the nearby water body.  Commercial car washes have special procedures for treating the water that washes off your car. 

6.  Clean up after your pet. Place pet waste in a trash receptacle or flush down the toilet.  Pet waste contains harmful bacteria that will wash into our streams and rivers when it rains. 

7. Use fertilizers and pesticides only when needed.  Fertilizers promote algae growth in our waterways.  When using fertilizers, follow application instructions and do not apply if rain is forecasted. 

8. Compost yard & grass clippings. Don't allow your grass clippings to blow into the street, or curb. Take a few minutes to clean around the storm drains near your house 

9. Check your vehicles for leaks and repair them! 

10. Tell a friend or neighbor about how to prevent storm water pollution. Get involved in a local community watershed organization. 

 The pollution you prevent today will protect your drinking water supply tomorrow.