Households - How You Can Help

Protecting our local waterways is something everybody can be involved in. The most important part of maintaining clean creeks, rivers, reservoirs and bays, is to assure that only clean water be allowed to flow from your property and into storm drains. Remember: the water from storm drains flow directly into local water bodies with no filtration or treatment. Pesticides, wash water, sewage, automotive fluids, paint, construction materials, sediment, and food wastes that go down the storm drain are entering the nearest natural creek or stream.

You can help protect our creeks, rivers and bays by following these common sense practices:

Do not dump anything into the storm drain, gutter or drainage ditch: Only Rain Down the Drain!
Get your car washed at commercial car wash instead of at home
Clean up outdoor spills of chemicals or paint with mops and absorbents
Dispose of your car oil properly
Eliminate irrigation runoff from your landscaping by properly maintaining your irrigation system and reducing your garden watering
Don't spray pesticides or herbicides before a rainfall
Consider environmentally friendly landscaping and pervious pavement
Make an appointment to drop off your Hazardous Household Waste through the County's program
Maintain your Septic System
Clean up after your pet, do not leave pet waste on the ground.

Sign displayed with the text "There is no poop fairy. Please clean up after your pet"

Educational Resources

Draining Pools and Spas
Keep pool, spa and fountain water out of storm drains, creeks, and the Bay.
Clean Cars & Clean Creeks
How to keep car wash pollution How to keep car wash pollution out of local creeks and the Bay! out of local creeks and the Bay!
Safer House-Cleaning Methods
You don't need harsh chemical cleaning products to clean your home. Common household products like baking soda and vinegar are good all-purpose cleaners.
How Trash Gets Into Our Creeks
Provided by SCVURPPP

Households - How You Can Help

Educational Resources

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