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Urban Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program

Department of Public Works
Orange County Urban Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program

Do you know where the water in your storm drain goes?

"The Ocean..."

Even if you live miles from the Pacific Ocean
you may be polluting it without knowing it.

STORM WATER & URBAN RUNOFF POLLUTION (SWURP)
AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STOP IT

Before you pour anything into the gutter or down the drain, stop and think! Storm Drains go directly into channels and creeks...and through wetlands and bays to the ocean.

DID YOU KNOW...
Anything we use in our home, car and business like motor oil, paint, pesticides, fertilizers and cleaners can wind up in the street.

A little water from rain or a garden hose can carry automotive and household materials through the storm drain polluting bays, wetlands and the ocean. Storm drains are there to drain water off the street-not for disposal of hazardous materials.

WHERE DOES IT GO?
These pollutants flow together on a journey from the storm drain to the flood control channel where it can eventually empty into the ocean. This type of pollution is called Storm Water & Urban Runoff (SWURP) and is a serious threat to the beaches and ocean of Southern California.

WHAT IS STORM WATER & URBAN RUNOFF POLLUTION (SWURP)? Storm water runoff refers to seasonal rainfall flows. It is very noticeable during a heavy rain storm when large volumes of water drain off paved areas. Urban runoff can happen anytime of the year when excessive water use from irrigation, car washing and other sources carries litter, lawn clippings and other urban pollutants into storm drains. Even an automobile leaking motor oil 20 miles inland can still pollute the ocean.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FORMS OF WATER POLLUTION? SWURP can include anything that washes into the storm drain from the community. Unlike water pollution linked to factories or sewage treatment plants, SWURP can come from city streets, neighborhoods, farms, construction sites and parking lots.

STORM WATER & URBAN RUNOFF POLLUTION COMES FROM: Automotive leaks and spills. Disposal of used oil and other engine fluids down the storm drain. Metals in vehicle exhaust, paint, rust, metal plating and tires. Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers from lawns, gardens and farms. Improper disposal of cleaners, paint and paint removers. Soil erosion and dust debris from landscape and construction activities. Litter, lawn clippings, animal waste and other organic matter. Oil stains on parking lots and paved surfaces.

STORM WATER & URBAN RUNOFF POLLUTION AND THE OCEAN SWURP may have a serious impact on water quality in Orange County. Pollutants from the storm drain system can harm marine life as well as coastal and wetland habitats. It can also degrade recreation areas such as beaches, harbors and bays.

THE OCEAN IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.
THERE ARE WAYS TO REDUCE STORM WATER & URBAN RUNOFF POLLUTION (SWURP)

HOME MAINTENANCE
  • Buy household products such as cleaners and furniture polish labeled "non toxic". Use small quantities and purchase only the amount you need.
  • Properly use and store all toxic products, including cleaners, solvents and paints. Use up paint cleaners and other products or share leftovers with a neighbor.
  • Take household hazardous materials and containers to a hazardous material collection center.
  • Use kitty litter or other absorbent materials to clean spills. Depending on the substance, dispose absorbents in the trash can or at a hazardous materials collection center.
  • Rinse water based paint brushes in the sink. Filter and reuse paint thinner or brush cleaners. Dispose of used thinner, oil and latex paint at a hazardous materials collection center.
  • Recycle reusable materials. Throw litter into trash cans and keep cans tightly covered to prevent foraging by animals.
  • Control erosion at construction and landscape sites to prevent dirt and debris from entering storm drains.

LAWN AND GARDEN

  • Use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers in accordance with label instructions. Do not apply before rain and dispose leftovers at a hazardous materials collection center.
  • Use a broom rather than a hose to clean up garden clippings. Put leaves and clippings in a trash can or a compost pile.
  • Divert rain spouts and garden hoses from paved surfaces onto grass to allow water to filter through the soil. Water only your lawn and garden. Caution! Do not use this suggested action in areas with steep slopes or landslide potential.
  • Pick up animal waste and dispose in the trash can.

AUTOMOTIVE

  • Take used motor oil and antifreeze to gas stations that accept recyclable automotive fluids, or to a hazardous materials collection center.
  • Have your car maintained regularly to prevent oil, antifreeze and other fluid leaks.
  • Reduce automotive emissions through routine auto maintenance, ride sharing and public transportation.
  • Conserve water when washing your car and use biodegradable soap. Clean engines at a "Do It Yourself Car Wash" where the drainage is not connected to the storm drain.
  • You can control SWURP by supporting city and county activities to keep your streets clean. You can help by participating in recycling, beach clean-ups, and the proper disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Since many businesses and residents are unaware of the storm water & urban runoff problem, encourage neighbors and co-workers to be careful in not polluting the storm drain system.
  • Together, you, your neighbors and city can make a difference in keeping the ocean and beaches clean for ourselves and wildlife. Contact the Storm Water Participant in your area to share ideas or ask questions on keeping storm drains clean.

DID YOU KNOW THAT DUMPING ONE QUART OF MOTOR OIL DOWN A STORM DRAIN CONTAMINATES 250,000 GALLONS OF WATER?

Storm Water Quality Management Programs have been developed by the Orange County Environmental Management Agency, local cities, and other agencies which participate in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Their responsibilities involve encouraging the public to help protect water quality, monitoring runoff in the storm drain system, managing the NPDES permit process for municipalities, investigating illegal disposal and maintaining storm drains.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS AND LINKS
Orange County Hazardous Materials Hotline (714) 834-6752

Severe Emergencies Only 911

For information on service stations that accept used motor oil.
California Integrated Waste Management Board (800) 253-2687

For information on agricultural chemicals, pesticides and possible alternatives
O.C. Agriculture Commissioner (714) 447-7100

Information for industries regarding Hazardous Waste And Underground Storage Tank Requirements:
O.C. Health Care Agency / Environmental Health Division / Hazardous Materials Management Section (714) 667-3700 or www.oc.ca.gov/IWMD

For Recycling Tips http://www.consrv.ca.gov/dor/index.htm

For a list of other participants in the Orange County Storm Water Program,
click here.