Residential Storm Water Protection

Trash

Reduce the use of lawn and garden care products such as pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, herbicides and other chemicals.
As an alternative, use environmentally friendly replacements that are known as Integrated Pest Management.
Avoid over-watering and irrigation runoff, which washes these chemicals from lawns and gardens into the storm drain system.
To save water, consider planting native and drought tolerant plants.
Do not apply pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals within 48 hours of an anticipated rainstorm.
Only use chemicals as much as is directed on the label, till it to the soil, and keep it off driveways and sidewalks.
Sweep up yard waste and debris and dump it into a trash can.
Do not use a hose to wash off sidewalks, parking areas, and garages.

Consider washing your car at a commercial car wash, where wash water is recycled and then directed to the sanitary sewer for treatment.
When washing a car at home, limit the amount of soap/detergent used and, if possible, conduct the washing on a pervious surface where the water can soak in.
Use a hose with a shut off nozzle to limit the amount of water used.
Use rags, drip pans, or cardboard when repairing vehicles or under leaking vehicles.
Fix any leaks from your vehicle and keep up the maintenance on your car.
Use absorbent material such as cat litter on oil spills, then sweep it up and dispose of it in the trash.
Recycle used motor oil at a local Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center

Take a bag with you when walking pets and clean up after them.
Flush pet waste down the toilet or dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in the trash.
Keep a pet on a leash for their safety.

Use non-toxic products for household cleaning.
Use a broom, wire brush, or other dry methods to clean outdoor surface areas.
Never hose or wash anything to the street or storm drain.
Dump wash water to a vegetated/landscaped area or to an indoor drain.
Pools, Spas and Fountain Maintenance
Only water that has had residual chlorine, algaecide, filter backwash, or other pollutants removed can be drained to the street and storm drain system.
The discharge of saline swimming pools/spas must be directed to the sanitary sewer, landscaped areas, or other pervious surfaces that can accommodate the volume of water.
Prior to any discharge, the path to the storm drain system should be cleared and flow rates should be non-erosive.
Contact the Public Works Department (858-755-3294) prior to discharging pool or spa water to review the most appropriate method based on the location and conditions.