Did you know...

· ...the sewer system and the storm drain system are not the same?
These two systems are completely different. The water that goes down a sink or toilet in your home or business flows to a wastewater treatment plant where it is treated and filtered. Water that flows down driveways and streets, into a gutter, goes into a storm drain which flows directly to a lake, river or the ocean. This water may pick up pollutants along the way which are never treated.

· ...there are many types of pollutants which enter storm drains?
Some common contaminants include motor oil, pesticides, brake dust, pet wastes, paint, and household chemicals.

· ...the effects of the storm drain pollutants on our water can be harmful?
These pollutants can have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreational use, and wildlife. Some very popular beaches have even been closed because of contaminated stormwater.

· ...there are ways you can prevent stormwater pollution?

What else is being done to control stormwater pollution?
The federal Clean Water Act requires various industrial facilities, construction sites, and urban areas with more than 100,000 people to control the amount of pollutants entering their storm drain systems.

Industrial facilities and construction sites are regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board www.swrcb.ca.gov through general stormwater permits. Cities and counties are regulated through permits issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Boards.

For Northern and Central Orange County: Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board www.swrcb.ca.gov/~rwqcb8/

For Southern Orange County: San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board www.swrcb.ca.gov/~rwqcb9/

Source: State Water Resources Control Board

One of the earliest efforts to stencil stormdrains was an Eagle Scouts Project.

By educating yourself on what causes stormwater pollution you are on the right path to preventing it. Share this knowledge with others: