Be Part Of The Solution...

By Preventing Water Pollution

If you see a clogged storm drain, please report it to your street department or clean it up.  Anything near the storm drain ends up in our waterways.  Better yet, adopt your neighborhood storm drain and stencil it with a message to educate others that dumping grass clippings, used motor oil or cleaning paint brushes shouldn't happen anywhere near the storm drain.

 

 

It all boils down to uncontrolled urban runoff wrecking havoc in our natural environment and polluting our drinking water sources.  This, in turn, affects the our health, the environment and the state.  It can also increase the amount of money we pay to mitigate uncontrolled urban runoff damage and ensure a safe drinking water supply.

Following is a list of practices you can begin today to help become part of the solution to preventing water pollution:

HOME MAINTENANCE

  • Buy household products such as cleaners and furniture polish labeled "non toxic." Use small quantities and purchase only the amount you need.

  • Properly use and store all toxic products, including cleaners, solvents and paints. Use up paint cleaners and other products or share leftovers with a neighbor.

  • Take household hazardous materials and containers to a hazardous material collection center.

  • Use kitty litter or other absorbent materials to clean spills. Depending on the substance, dispose absorbents in the trash can or at a hazardous materials collection center.

  • Rinse water based paint brushes in the sink. Filter and reuse paint thinner or brush cleaners. Dispose of used thinner, oil and latex paint at a hazardous materials collection center.

  • Recycle reusable materials. Throw litter into trash cans and keep cans tightly covered to prevent foraging by animals.

  • Control erosion during construction to prevent dirt and debris from entering storm drains.

LAWN AND GARDEN

  • Use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers in accordance with label instructions. Do not apply before rain, or during strong winds, and dispose leftovers at a hazardous materials collection center.

  • Use a broom rather than a hose to clean up garden clippings. Put leaves and clippings in a trash can or a compost pile.

  • Divert rain spouts and garden hoses from paved surfaces onto grass to allow water to filter through the soil. Water only your lawn and garden. Caution! Do not use this suggested action in areas with steep slopes or landslide potential.  Build a Rain Garden

  • Pick up animal waste and dispose in the trash can.

AUTOMOTIVE

  • Take used motor oil and antifreeze to gas stations that accept recyclable automotive fluids, or to a hazardous materials collection center.

  • Have your car maintained regularly to prevent oil, antifreeze and other fluid leaks.

  • Reduce automotive emissions through routine auto maintenance, ride sharing and public transportation.

  • Conserve water when washing your car and use biodegradable soap. Clean engines at a "Do It Yourself Car Wash" where the drainage is not connected to the storm drain.

  • You can support city and county activities to keep your streets clean. You can help by participating in recycling and the proper disposal of hazardous materials.

  • Since many businesses and residents are unaware of the storm water & urban runoff problem, encourage neighbors and co-workers to be careful in not polluting the storm drain system.

DID YOU KNOW THAT DUMPING ONE QUART OF MOTOR OIL DOWN A STORM DRAIN CONTAMINATES 250,000 GALLONS OF WATER?