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Do you Know Where the Water
in Your Storm Drain Goes? To The Ocean...
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Even though you live miles
from the Pacific Ocean, you may be polluting it without knowing it.
Before you pour anything into
the gutter or down the drain, stop and think! Storm drains go directly
into channels and creeks......and through wetlands and bays to the ocean.
Did You Know...
... that one pint of motor oil can produce
an oil slick of approximately one acre on the surface of water?
...that dumping anything
in the storm drain system is illegal and harmful to the environment?
How Does Orange County’s
Storm Drain System Work?
Unlike the sewer system, which
carries water from your indoor drains to wastewater treatment plants,
the storm drain system releases untreated water into channels, rivers
and ultimately the ocean. To insure the safety and enjoyment of our
environment, everyone’s help is needed to keep the storm drain
system free from harmful pollutants.
| COMMON
STORM DRAIN POLLUTANTS |
HOME MAINTENANCE
• Detergents, Cleaners and Solvents
• Oil and Latex Paint
• Swimming Pool Chemicals
• Outdoor Trash and Litter |
LAWN AND GARDEN
• Pet and Animal Waste
• Pesticides, Insecticides, and Herbicides
• Clippings, Leaves and Soil
• Fertilizer |
AUTOMOBILE
• Oil and Grease
• Radiator Fluids and Antifreeze
• Cleaning Chemicals
• Brake pad dust |
Things
You Can Do To Protect The Water In Your Storm Drain System
HOUSEHOLD
Some household products , such as cleaners, insect
spray and weed killers, can cause pollution if allowed to drain
into a storm drain. Buy household products labeled “nontoxic”
whenever possible. Clean up spills with an absorbent material such
as kitty litter and check with your disposal carrier or a hazardous
waste collection center, for disposal recommendations.
PAINT AND SOLVENTS
Clean water-based paints from rollers, pans and
brushes in sinks that go into the sewer system. Use paint thinner
to remove oil-based paint from brushes and rollers, then take used
thinner and left over paint to a household hazardous
waste collection center, or keep the paint for touch ups, or
give it to a friend.
AUTOMOTIVE
Keep your autos in good repair and watch for possible
leaks. Take left over or used fluids to your household hazardous
waste collection center. Clean up leaks and spills with an absorbent
material such as kitty litter and check with your disposal carrier
or a household hazardous
waste collection center for disposal recommendations.
SWIMMING POOL AND SPA
Water containing chlorine is harmful to aquatic life.
Whenever possible, drain water into the sewer system. There are
established guidelines on the amount of residual chlorine, acceptable
pH range, coloration, filter media and acid cleaning wastes when
draining into the storm drain system, and some areas may require
a permit. Check with your city or call the County at 714-567-6363
for a copy of the guidelines.
LAWN AND GARDEN
Use a broom or rake to clean up yard debris and place
in trash bins; lawn clippings and leaves should be placed in recycling
containers if available - or better yet, leave your grass clippings
on the lawn. Follow directions carefully when using pesticides and fertilizers;
don’t over water or use before a rain. Pesticides and fertilizers
may adversely impact our waterways.
TRASH
Place trash and litter that cannot be recycled or
reused in trash cans, call your city to find out if your city has a
recycling program. Whenever possible, turn trash into useful products
and buy recycled products.
Remember: Reduce - Reuse -Recycle
PET CARE
Pick-up pet waste as soon as possible and put it in the trash. Pet
waste has harmful bacteria that can get into our waterways. Also,
follow label directions for disposal on pet care products like flea
shampoo because they can be toxic.
It’s Up To You. Together, you and your neighbors
can make a difference to keep gutters, storm drains and waterways clean.
To learn more, contact your city or one of the program participants
listed in this site.
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