Frequently Asked Questions

Trash
• Throw litter in designated trash bins only.
• Make sure trash containers are properly covered.
• Ensure trash stored in truck beds is secure and cannot blow away.
• If you see litter, pick it up and dispose of properly.

Lawn and Garden Care
• 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 green bin for composting (or trash can if the debris isn't organic waste).
• Do not use a hose to wash off sidewalks, parking areas, and garages.

Vehicle Care and Maintenance
• 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

Pets
• 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.

Good Housekeeping
• 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. Swimming pool/spa water can't go down the storm drain before treatment.
• 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.

Door hangers are left by City staff when active urban runoff is identified and contact with the resident cannot be made.  The purpose of the door hanger is to notify the resident that urban runoff was observed at, or near, their property and provide education and information on urban runoff and prevention practices. If you received a door hanger at your property, please review the recommendations provided in the pamphlet. Should you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Clean Water Program (858-704-3652) to discuss the runoff activity and potential resolutions in more detail.

The Clean Water Program investigates urban runoff reports received; in addition, patrols are performed to identify potential sources of pollution. During these investigations and patrols, the Clean Water Program looks for evidence of potential pollution and urban runoff and determines a source. If there is an active discharge occurring, the Clean Water Program Investigator will try to establish contact with the resident to cease activities. In addition, the Clean Water Program will generate a Clean Water Education Letter to provide education on urban runoff and pollution prevention practices and describe the issue that was observed with photos that were taken during the investigation or patrol. If you received a Clean Water Education Letter, please implement the requests noted by the Clean Water Program. Should you have questions or need assistance, please call the Clean Water Program (858-704-3652) to discuss the urban runoff report further.

A Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued by City staff when there is a discharge of pollutants directly or indirectly into the storm drain system or when best management practices (BMPs) are not properly implemented, as it pertains to Chapter 11.30 of the Del Mar Municipal Code (Stormwater Management and Discharge Control). In addition, NOVs are issued when repeat offenses are observed, after education has already been provided.  Examples of discharges can include (but are not limited to) irrigation runoff, broken sprinkler systems leading to runoff, or improper pool discharges. The Notice of Violation contains information on the violation of the Municipal code, the discharge observed, and a request to rectify the issue. It is expected the issue is addressed in a timely manner.  If you have any questions about a Notice of Violation you received and what to do to address the issue(s), please contact the Clean Water Program at 858-704-3652 or cleanwater@delmar.ca.us. If observed issue(s) are not addressed, further actions may be taken.

It is ultimately the responsibility of the resident to ensure that hired contractors are performing work activities in compliance with the Del Mar Municipal Code, including the implementation of best management practices to prevent pollutants from being introduced into the environment, as listed in the Residential Storm Water Protection FAQ above.