Storm drains are intended to drain rain and water from households (collectively called runoff) from our streets and to prevent flooding. Polluted urban runoff occurs when the runoff mixes with pollutants like oil, paint, pet waste, pesticides, litter, and other contaminants.

Unfortunately, because this water is not filtered or treated before it enters our rivers and waterways, storm drains also serve the unintentional purpose of transporting this urban pollution, which contaminates our waterways, harms aquatic life, and increases the risk of flooding by clogging gutters and catch basins.

To prevent contamination, harm, and flooding risks, there are a number of best management practices all residents should follow.

Household Activities

• Do not rinse spills with water! Sweep outdoor spills and dispose of in the trash. For wet spills like oil, apply cat litter or another absorbent material, then sweep and bring to a household hazardous waste collection center.
• Securely cover trash cans.    
• Take household hazardous waste to a household hazardous waste collection center.
• Store household hazardous waste in closed, labeled containers inside or under a cover.
• Do not hose down your driveway, sidewalk or patio. Sweep up debris and dispose of in trash.
• Always pick up after your pet. Flush waste down the toilet or dispose of in the trash.
• Bathe pets indoors or have them professionally groomed.

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Gardening Activities

• Follow directions on pesticides and fertilizers, (measure, do not estimate amounts) and do not use if rain is predicted within 48 hours.
• Water your lawn and garden by hand to control the amount of water you use. Set irrigation systems to reflect seasonal water needs. If water flows off your yard and onto your driveway or sidewalk, your system is over-watering. Click Here for more water conservation tips.
• Mulch clippings or leave them on the lawn. Consider grasscycling. If necessary, dispose in a green waste container.
• Cultivate your garden often to control weeds.

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Washing and Maintaining Your Car

• Take your car to a commercial car wash whenever possible.
• Choose soaps, cleaners, or detergents labeled “non-toxic,” “phosphate free” or “biodegradable.” Vegetable and citrus-based products are typically safest for the environment, but even these should not be allowed into the storm drain.
• Shake floor mats into a trash can or vacuum to clean.
• Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners and “hose off” engine degreasers at home. They can be used at a commercial facility, which can properly process the washwater.
• Do not dump washwater onto your driveway, sidewalk, street, gutter or storm drain. Excess washwater should be disposed of in the sanitary sewers (through a sink, or toilet) or onto an absorbent surface like your lawn.
• Use a nozzle to turn off water when not actively washing down automobile.
• Monitor vehicles for leaks and place pans under leaks. Keep your car well maintained to stop and prevent leaks.
• Use cat litter or other absorbents and sweep to remove any materials deposited by vehicles. Contain sweepings and dispose of at a household hazardous waste collection center.
• Perform automobile repair and maintenance under a covered area and use drip pans or plastic sheeting to keep spills and waste material from reaching storm drains.
• Never pour oil or antifreeze in the street, gutter or storm drains. Recycle these substances at a service station, household hazardous waste collection center, or used oil recycling center. For the nearest Used Oil Collection Center call 1-800-CLEANUP or visit calrecycle.ca.gov/usedoil/