watershed pollution prevention
AT HOME
Preventable pollutants are both seen and unseen materials that accumulate in our yards, driveways, gutters and streets and damage our watersheds. Even simple changes in the way we care for our homes can make a big difference in keeping our watersheds clean.
IN YOUR HOME
• Household Chemicals - Always read labels carefully
before buying household cleaning and maintenance products. Know that ingredients
range in classification of level of toxicity from CAUTION, which means least
toxic, to WARNING and finally, to DANGER or POISON. A symbol of a skull and
cross-bones also refers to high toxicity. Avoid buying products displaying
the labels representing extremely toxic ingredients.
• Natural Cleaners - Use safe, less toxic alternative
cleaners such as baking soda, salt, borax, vinegar, water or elbow grease.
• Paint - Choose water-based paints instead of oil-based
paints. Don't use any paint over 15 years old since it may contain lead.
• Storage - To minimize waste and spills, use products
carefully and store them in heavy duty, air-tight containers.
Disposal:
• Never pour toxic paints, preservatives, brush cleaners, solvents or
anything else into gutters or down the storm drains, sinks or toilets. Take all
unwanted Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) to hazardous waste collection events
or facilities.
Washington Toxins Coalition - This page is a good resource to learning more about choosing safer cleaning, lawn care and pest control products, and to taking actions to make products safe.
OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
• Runoff from gutters and other sources should be directed onto grass
and gravel to slow the velocity of water running into the storm system and naturally
filter the water.
• Pool/Spa – Pool chemicals can be deadly to our watersheds. Never
dispose of acid wash wastewater, pool filter backwash or other pool cleaning
wastewater into the storm drain. All chlorine must be removed before a pool is
drained and check with your city on any required permits.
• Increase permeable surfaces around your home. Use wooden decking, bricks
or stones for driveways, walkways and other outdoor areas, instead of solid paving.
• Pet Waste – The same bacteria responsible for beach closings is
found in pet waste. Always pick up after your pet and dispose of pet waste in
the toilet or trash.
IN YOUR GARDEN
• Irrigation - Water the lawn early or late in the day and use water efficient
devices. Even during the hot summer months, there is no need to water everyday.
Water only as needed. Perform regular maintenance to minimize runoff that can
carry preventable pollutants into the storm drain system.
• Maintenance – Clear, remove and dispose of any
debris, including leaves and grass cuttings, in your yard waste container or
by composting. Even organic waste, when introduced into the watershed, reduces
oxygen levels and increases harmful bacteria in our waters, hurting both animal
and human life.
• Chemicals - Read the labels and follow directions carefully when using
insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Look for less-toxic products such as
biological pesticides, oil sprays and insecticidal soaps. Avoid using copper
sulfate root killing products.
• Overuse of any pesticide or fertilizer is a key contributor to stormwater
pollution. Use chemicals sparingly and never use them around water, drains, bare
ground, or if rain is predicted within the next 24 hours.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based
strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through
a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation,
modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Go to the
UC Davis IPM resource site for complete information. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides - This website provides a broad range of downloadable fact sheets with alternative, non-toxic solutions to battling pests and weeds in your garden.
Bio-Integral Resource Center - Specializes in finding non-toxic and least toxic, integrated pest management (IPM) solutions to urban and agricultural pest problems.
Disposal:
• Avoid spills of garden chemicals and don't rinse them away if they do
occur. Absorb them with sawdust or kitty litter and dispose of the absorbent
from larger spills to your local hazardous waste collection event or facility.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
• Fluids - Service vehicles regularly to help prevent leaks and reduce
emissions. Use drip pans to catch all oil, brake and transmission fluids. To
keep air conditioning seals from cracking and leaking Freon, run the air conditioner
at least once every two weeks.
• Cleaning Solutions - Baking soda paste is a non-toxic substance which
can be used to clean battery heads, cable clamps, and chrome. Add mild, biodegradable
dish washing soap to the paste to clean wheels and tires. White vinegar or lemon
juice mixed with water works well for cleaning windows.
• Wash – If possible take your car to a self-serve
or full-service car wash, where the wastewater will be treated. If you do wash
your car at home, use as little water as possible to reduce runoff and use
a phosphate-free, biodegradable detergent. Wash cars on grass or gravel in
order to allow the materials to filter through the vegetation or soil instead
of running off into gutters and down storm drains. Empty the soap bucket into
the toilet or sink instead of streets and gutters.
Disposal:
• Never dispose of gasoline, used oil, or other automotive products in
the gutters, storm drains, sinks or toilets. Take these products to an approved
recycling center.
• Absorb spills in the garage with kitty litter, sawdust or corn meal.
Dispose of the materials from a small spill by placing them in a plastic bag
and throwing them in the trash.
• When buying a new car battery, take the old one to the retailer. California
law requires retailers to accept them. Local hazardous waste collection events
or facilities will also take them.
