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.
Pollution Hotline
To report a spill to the OC Public Works Water Pollution Response Unit, use our online form found on the right side of this page, or call 1-877-89-SPILL. In the case of a chemical emergency, call 911.
1.877.89.SPILL
County of Orange Contact
Jenna Voss
Environmental Resource Specialist
Orange County Public Works
Use the form on the right to contact
County of Orange and City Contacts
If you need more specific details about stormwater issues not found in this web site or the public works site, please select your city/county contact and fill out the form below.
