STORM WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM

What's so important about Storm Drains?

The primary purpose of storm drains is to carry rain water away from developed areas to prevent flooding. Storm drains are not connected to sanitary sewer systems and treatment plants. Untreated storm water and the pollutants it carries flow directly to creeks, lagoons and the ocean.

Pollutants and Chemicals

The majority of water pollution now comes from sources other than industry. These common materials can harm our waters:

• Oil, fuel, and fluids leaked from cars
• Soaps from washing our cars
• Fertilizers from our lawns and gardens
• Sediments from a lack of erosion control
• Waste from our Pets
• Chemicals from our swimming pools

Best Management Practices (BMP's)

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are procedures and practices you can implement to prevent pollutants and other hazardous materials from entering our storm drains. Once potential and existing sources of pollution have been identified, the next step is to select proper BMPs to eliminate or reduce storm water pollution. Program staff is available to provide information and assistance in developing BMPs for your business. Each of us can do our part to keep storm water clean. Using BMPs adds up to a pollution solution!

• 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 your car at home, use soap sparingly and pour your bucket of soapy water down the sink when you're done, not in the street.
• Take a bag when you walk your 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.

Additional Links and Information

For more information about proper disposal see Hazardous Waste

• City of San Diego
• County of San Diego
• Encina Waste Water Authority
• Household Hazardous Waste
• I Love a Clean San Diego
• Project Clean Water
• State Water Resources Control Board
• The Solana Center
• Think Blue

	Car Washing [249 kb]
	Concrete & Mortor [229 kb]
	Lawn and Garden Care [242 kb]
	Lawn and Garden Care - Spanish [284 kb]
	Motor Oil [202 kb]
	Pet Waste [164 kb]
	Pools & Spas [248 kb]

	Auto Repair [148 kb]
	Auto Repair - Spanish [267 kb]
	Cigarette Butts [96 kb]
	Construction Brochure [3825 kb] *
	Erosion Factsheet [198 kb]
	General Commercial & Industrial [198 kb]
	Grease Factsheet [140 kb]
	Mobile Industry [196 kb]
	Mobil & Surface Cleaning [226 kb]
	Restaurant - English [156 kb]
	Restaurant - Spanish [155 kb]
	Retail Gas Stations [168 kb]
	Trash Factsheet [141 kb]

* This is a large document and may take several minutes to download.

Storm Water Fee Study Report [217 kb]

• Jurisdictional Urban Runoff Management Plan (JURMP) - March 2008
• Watershed Urban Runoff Management Plan (WURMP) - March 2008

Contact Us | Storm Water
HOTline: (760) 602-2799