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 Clean beaches and healthy creeks, rivers,
bays, and ocean are important to Orange County. However, many common
activities can lead to water pollution if you’re
not careful.
Horse waste and care products can be washed
into the the storm
drains that flow to the ocean. Unlike water in sanitary sewers
(from sinks and toilets), water in storm drains is not treated
before entering our waterways.
You would never put animal waste or products
into the ocean, so don’t let them enter
the storm drains. Follow these easy tips to help
prevent water pollution while grooming or feeding horses, or constructing
a stable.
For more information, please call the Orange
County Stormwater Program at (714) 567-6363 or visit the Stormwater page.
To report a spill, call the Orange County
24-Hour Water Pollution Problem Reporting Hotline at (714) 567-6363.
The tips contained in this brochure provide
useful information to help prevent water pollution while caring
for your horse. If you have other suggestions, please contact your
city’s stormwater representatives or call the Orange
County Stormwater Program.
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emergencies dial 911. |
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Grooming
- Use less-toxic alternatives for grooming. Even biodegradable
products can be harmful to humans, marine life and the environment.
Follow instructions on the products and clean up spills.
- When washing horses, either allow washwater to seep into the ground
or wash in an area that is routed to the sanitary sewer. Do not let washwater
enter the storm drain or any bodies of water.
- Conserve water by using a spray nozzle with an automatic shut-off.
Turn off the water or kink the hose when not in use.
Pasture Management
- Horse holding areas should be swept or shoveled at least once
per day. Never hose down these areas! The wastes could end up
in a stream or storm drain.
- Paddocks should be cleaned at least twice per week during the
rainy season, and once per week the rest of the year.
Grazing
- Establish healthy and vigorous pastures with
at least three inches of leafy material.
- During heavy rainfall,
consider indoor feeding, a practice that keeps manure
under a roof and away from runoff.
Collection and Storage
- Store animal waste in a sturdy, seepage-free
unit that is enclosed or under cover.
- Line waste pits or trenches with an impermeable layer.
- Do not store manure on-site for more than one week.
Use and Disposal
- Compost soiled bedding and manure. See http://compostingcouncil.org/ for more information.
- Donate composted material
to local greenhouses, nurseries and botanical parks.
- Transport
manure to topsoil companies or composting centers.
Facility Design
- If you are constructing or re-building a stable,
have your engineer check the County’s website at www.ocwatersheds.com for information about facility design.
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