Stormwater

The storm drain system was constructed to protect public health and safety by preventing flooding of homes, businesses, and streets during storm events. The storm drain system consists of gutters, catch basins, manholes, underground pipes, roadside ditches, and channels. When it rains, or if the yard is over watered, untreated pollutant sources are flushed to the storm drain system and into our watersheds. 

Here are 5 easy steps you can do to help protect our watersheds:

1. Rainbows in the sky, not on our roads! Auto waste is one of the main pollutants of our storm drain system. When it rains, auto waste flows into nearby storm drains and into our rivers and ocean. Maintain your car free from oil and other fluid leaks to avoid harmful fluids from flowing into the street and storm drains. Do not wash your car in the street. If possible, try washing your car near landscaped areas and divert soap, dirt and water runoff to keep it out of the storm drains.
2. When it rains, it drains! You can help prevent stormwater pollution by properly disposing of your trash, debris and rubbish so it does not drain into the storm system.
3. Stop POO-llution! You can help prevent stormwater pollution and keep the street clean by picking up your pet’s waste and discarding of it properly in the trash can.
4. Think twice about pesticides! When pesticides or herbicides mix with stormwater runoff, it pollutes our waterways. Do not apply pesticides or other chemicals near storm drains or when it is about to rain.
5. Save water, save our storm drain! Watering the yard less helps reduce water runoff. Avoid spraying sidewalks, driveways, and streets to prevent pollutants from being carried into storm drains. 

Learn more about protecting our watersheds at: Community for a Clean Watershed