Storm Water Protection 

The City of Carlsbad's storm water conveyance system is made up of streets, gutters, curb inlets, pipes, ditches, basins and drains, as well as natural drainage such as creeks and lagoons.  The storm water drainage system is not connected to sanitary sewer or treatment facilities.  Rainwater and urban runoff transport pollutants directly into our creeks, lagoons and ocean.

Here are some simple best management practices (BMPs) to help keep pollutants out of our waterways. 

• Residential BMPs
• Business BMPs

 

Prevention

• Minimize the use of lawn and garden care products such as pesticides, insecticides, weed killers, fertilizers, herbicides and other chemicals.
• Avoid over-irrigation, which washes fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens into the gutter and storm drains.
• Sweep up yard waste and debris and dump it in a trash can. Do not use a hose to wash off sidewalks, parking areas and garages.
• When washing a car at home, use soap sparingly and pour soapy water down the sink, not in the street. See current drought conditions for restrictions.
• Take a bag when walking pets and be sure to always clean up after them. Flush pet waste down the toilet or dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in the trash.
• Use non-toxic products for household cleaning.   

Residential best management practices (BMP's) brochures

Residential Guide to Pollution Prevention

Erosion Control and Pollution Prevention

Home Improvement Projects and Pollution Prevention

Materials storage and Pollution Prevention

Trash and Pollution Prevention

 

 

 

 

Prevention 

• Use dry clean up methods.  Use mops, brooms or wire brushes to clean dumpsters, sidewalks, buildings, equipment, pavement and other impervious surfaces.
• Preventative maintenance is important.  Regularly inspect and clean gutters, storm drains, catch basins, and other storm drainage features to prevent pollutants from accumulating.
• Store materials indoors or under covered areas not exposed to rain.  If materials can not be stored under cover, place materials on pallets and cover with a tarp to avoid contact with storm water run-on and runoff.
• Sweep around dumpsters and other areas to prevent trash from accumulating. Dumpsters must be kept closed when not in use.
• Write and keep a spill response plan. Ensure that employees are trained on the elements of the plan.
• Keep rags, mops and absorbents readily accessible.  Dispose of waste properly.
• Conduct employee training.  Discuss and distribute storm water pollution prevention material during training sessions and meetings. 

Business best management practices (BMP's) brochures

Auto repair	Mobile industry
Auto repair (Spanish)	Mobile and surface cleaning
Cigarette butts	Restaurant
Construction	Restaurant (Spanish)
Erosion fact sheet	Retail gas station
General commercial and industrial	Trash fact sheet
Grease fact sheet