Do you know where the water in the storm drain goes? To the ocean...Even if you live miles from the ocean or a stream you may be polluting without knowing.

The City’s storm drain system is unlike the sewer system. The sewer system carries water from your indoor drains to wastewater treatment plants. The storm drain system releases untreated water collected from rainfall and landscape irrigation into the local streams and ultimately the ocean.

To insure the safety and enjoyment of our environment, everyone’s help is needed to keep the storm drain system free from pollutants.

The County of Orange is the primary coordinator for the municipal stormwater program. Comprehensive information is available on the County's website, including the County's Drainage Area Management Plan, urban runoff NPDES permits, spill and storm drain problem reporting, and business and residential activity pollution prevention best management practice fact sheets. For more information go to www.ocwatersheds.com.

Common Storm Drain Pollutants

Home Maintenance Detergents Cleaners and Solvents Oil and Latex Paints Swimming Pool Chemicals Outdoor Trash and Litter Lawn and Garden Pet and Animal Waste Pesticides, Insecticides and Herbicides Clippings, Leaves and Soil Fertilizer

Automobile Oil and Grease Radiator Fluids and Antifreeze Cleaning Compounds Brake Pad Dust

Did you know that one pint of motor oil can produce an oil slick that is 100’ wide and 500’ long on the water.

Did you know that washing or sweeping anything into the street gutter is not legal and is harmful to the environment? Before you let anything go into the street, stop and think.

Don’t forget what gets into the street gets into the storm drain system goes directly into channels and streams...through wetlands and bays...and in the ocean. Remember the ocean begins at your front door.

Things To Do To Protect The Water That Gets Into The Storm Drain System.

Household:

Buy products labeled "non-toxic" whenever possible. Clean up spills with an absorbent material such as kitty litter and check with the City waste disposal carrier, Waste Management of Orange County, at (949) 642-1191 for disposal recommendations.

Paint and Solvents:

Clean water-based paint equipment in sinks that are connected to the plumbing and sewer system. Use paint thinner to clean oil-based paint equipment, then contact the County of Orange at (714) 834-6752 for disposal recommendations for the left over paint and used thinner, or keep them for touch ups and future clean up, or give them to a friend.

Automotive:

Keep your autos in good repair and check for possible leaks. Clean up spills with an absorbent material such as kitty litter and check with the County of Orange at (714) 834-6752 for disposal recommendations.

Swimming Pool and Spa:

There are two methods of disposing of pool water.

• The preferred method is directly to the sanitary sewer. Many pools are plumbed to facilitate this to occur. Any pipe connection to the sanitary sewer is to be approved by the City.
• Where discharge to the sanitary sewer is not feasible, Federal law allows the release of dechlorinated swimming pool water into the street or the storm drain system. Any curb core or connection to the storm drain system is to be approved by the City. In Orange County, the guidance for such releases requires that the owner demonstrate compliance with the following criteria.
• The residual chlorine does not exceed 0.1 milligrams per liter (mg/l), or 0.1 parts per million,
• The pH is between 6.5 and 8.5, and
• The water is visually free of any unusual coloration, filter media, and acid cleaning waste.

Compliance can be verified by using a pool testing kit. Excessive chlorine can be removed by removing, or not chlorinating two or more days prior to discharge, or by adding appropriate dechlorinating chemicals.

Lawn and Garden:

Using a broom and rake, pick-up yard debris and place in trash bins; lawn clippings and leaves should be placed in recycling containers. When using pesticides or fertilizers, follow directions carefully and do not over water after application and do not apply before a rain.

Trash:

Place trash and litter that cannot be recycled or reused in trash bins.

Pet Care:

Pick-up waste as soon as possible and place in trash bins. Follow the label directions for disposal on pet care products, some of which can be toxic.

It’s Up To You!

Together, you and your neighbors can make a difference by keeping gutters and storm drains clean.

For more information call the Public Works Department at (949) 461-3480. Also go to www.ciwmb.ca.gov

For Hazardous Waste Collection Information, call (714) 834-6752.

For Used Oil Collection Information, call 1-800-CLEANUP.

Chemical and Hazardous Material Spill Emergencies call 911.

After Hours: 24 Hour Water Pollution Problem Reporting Hotline - (714) 567-6363

For information on agricultural chemicals, pesticides and possible alternatives call the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner at (714) 447-7100.