Stormwater Smart
- 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.
- Mulch grass clippings or leave them on the lawn. If necessary, dispose in a green waste container.
- Prevent urban runoff by taking your car to a commercial car wash whenever possible.
- When cleaning around the house choose soaps, cleaners, or detergents labeled “non-toxic,” “phosphate free” or “biodegradable.”
- When cleaning your car, shake floor mats into a trash can or vacuum to clean.
- Take your vehicle to a commercial carwash where the washwater is recycled and sent to the sanitation district.
- Use a nozzle to turn off water when not actively washing down your car.
- 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 liquids left by vehicles or any other kind of outdoor “wet spill.”
- 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 or used oil recycling center.
- Store household hazardous waste (HHW) in closed, labeled containers inside or under a cover and dispose of them at an HHW collection center.
- Do not hose down your driveway, sidewalk or patio. Sweep up debris and dispose of it in the trash.
- Always pick up after your pet. Flush waste down the toilet or dispose of it in the trash.
- Bathe pets indoors or have them professionally groomed.
Business
Orange County’s economy owes much of its success to tourism, and much of our tourism is based on our great weather and beautiful beaches. It is incumbent upon all of us, residents - visitors and businesses – to do our part to protect our waterways.
Most water pollution prevention tips for businesses don’t take much effort, yet can have a big impact to ensure clean waterways in Orange County. For example:
Food Service Facilities (Restaurants)
- Sweep your mats or shake them into the trash. Never hose them off on the driveway or street.
- Dispose of grease and oil in a covered container or install a grease interceptor.
- Pick up debris around the dumpster and keep the lid closed. Never pour liquids into the dumpster or hose it out.
- Drain vehicle fluids indoors and only over floors that are constructed of non-porous materials
- Store waste materials such as vehicle parts, fluids, solvents, batteries and oils off the ground and in a covered area that will not be exposed to water.
- Clean up spills immediately using absorbent materials such as rags, cat litter or sand.
Landscape and Gardening Services
- Sweep up all lawn clippings and trimmings and dispose of them in the green waste container. Never blow, sweep or hose lawn clippings or trimmings into the gutter or storm drain.
- Use pesticides and fertilizers only as directed. Do not over-apply these chemicals and never use pesticides or fertilizers when rain is predicted within the next 48 hours.
- Don’t overwater. Use drip irrigation or hand water with a spray nozzle on the hose to prevent water runoff from carrying pollutants into the storm drain, which leads to our waterways.
Proper Maintenance Practices for Your Business
- For proper landscape maintenance, make sure to closely follow label directions for the use and disposal of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Make sure to sweep up dry spills and use cat litter, towels, or similar materials to absorb wet spills. Dispose all materials directly into the trash.
- Be cautious to not dump any toxic substance or liquid waste on the pavement, ground, or near a storm drain. Even materials that seem harmless such as latex paint or biodegradable cleaners can damage the environment.
