Help Prevent Water Pollution in our Creeks and Bay

In a natural environment, rain and other water runoff drain into a creek, river, lake, wetland, bay or groundwater aquifer. The land that drains to a particular water body is called a watershed. Everyone lives in a watershed. But usually, in a manmade environment, rain and other runoff drains first to a storm drain and then to a waterbody. The rain that falls in your watershed, and all of the water runoff from your street, yard and neighborhood flow into a storm drain which empties into a local creek, and ultimately into the Bay. So, you may live miles from San Francisco Bay and still be polluting its waters.

Storm drains are separate from the sanitary sewer system. Unlike the water that goes down the toilet or sink in your home, the water and pollution that enter the storm drain system flow directly to our creeks and Bay..........with no treatment!

Residential and small-business storm water pollution has become the leading threat to the Bay. Day after day, pollution is washed into neighborhood gutters and storm drains by rain and over-watering. This pollution is toxic to fish, wildlife and people! Never allow anything except rain into a gutter or storm drain.

You are the Solution to Water Pollution

You can help prevent storm water pollution by making small changes in your daily routine. Reduce your use of toxic products in your home and garden, and dispose of them properly. Keep your car in tune and repair leaks promptly. Keep your yard waste, dirt, detergent, paint, trash and pet waste out of your gutter and storm drains. Remember, only rain down a storm drain! For more detail about pollution prevention and what you can do to help, click on one of the following links:

• Automotive Repairs and Maintenance
• Clean Cars & Clean Creeks
• Draining Pools and Spas
• Fluorescent Bulbs and other Mercury Containing Products
• Lawn and Garden
• Links
• What Residents Can Do (General Pollution Prevention and Water Conservation Tips)
• Watershed Watchers Brochure (Solutions)
• Grow It Guide (Ways to Control Pests and Plant Diseases Using Less Toxic Methods)
• OWOW Pocket Guide (Product Choices to Handle Pests that are Less Toxic to People, Pets and the Environment)
• Clean It Guide (Safe, Less Toxic House-Cleaning Methods that Really Work!)

Reporting Spills or Dumping

To report non-emergency discharges or dumping of non-hazardous materials into storm drains, call (408) 730-7270, TDD (408) 730-7501 from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, call (408) 730-7181, or e-mail the information to the WPCP.

For emergency reports of hazardous spills or dumping into storm drains, call 9-1-1 or (408) 736-6244.