Water conservation and water quality protection go hand-in-hand. When planning new landscaped areas around your home, consider using drought tolerant plants or native plants, such as succulents and cacti. These use less water, and as a result less run-off from the garden enters into our storm drains. The use of drip-irrigation systems, soil moisture sensors to shut off sprinklers when not needed, and ensuring that sprinklers are turned off during rainstorms, all help!
In addition, consider the use of alternatives to chemicals for management of garden pests. Too much pesticide used outdoors ends up in our lakes, beaches, and bays when it rains or when we over-water. The same with excess fertilizer - it can be too much of a good thing. Accidental contact with pesticides can also harm our pets and children. Information on Integrated Pest Management is available from the County of San Diego and from major lawn and garden centers throughout San Diego County.
Lastly, if you see any potential contaminants entering the storm drains, immediately notify the City of Del Mar Clean Water Program at 858-704-3652 or use the Report Urban Runoff Online Form found on the City's website and an inspector will arrive on site as soon as possible. Of special concern are any of the following, or similar, potential sources of contaminants:
- Construction materials or sediment coming off the property of any construction sites and entering the City’s right-of-way
- Landscape crews using hoses to wash down driveways or gutters into the street
- Power washing or mobile detailing operations whose run-off is flowing into the sidewalk, curb and gutter, street, or storm drain
- Restaurants washing their mats or equipment and allowing the runoff to flow into the streets or alleyways
To report other environmental concerns and report pollution incidents outside of the City of Del Mar, please contact the regional public hotline at 888-846-0800 (24 hours a day) or visit Project Clean Water for a listing of San Diego County jurisdiction hotline phone numbers. The City of Del Mar Public Works Department may also be contacted during normal business hours at 858-755-3294.
For more information, please visit the Clean Water Information resource.