Keep it Clear
Protect your water—it’s just beneath your feet.
Pollutants that go down the storm drains could end up in your water. These contaminants also have the potential to harm local wildlife in nearby waterways.
Watch the video and click each culprit below to learn about common pollution issues and how you can prevent further impact to our groundwater.
Learn About Common Pollution Culprits
Pesticides
The use of pesticides in your yard can contribute to groundwater pollution. The toxins present in pesticides, such as pyrethroids, can seep into the ground, especially when overwatering occurs. This poses a significant threat to groundwater quality.
How can I help?
Learn about No-Spray Days: refrain from spraying or having your pest control contractor spray pesticides on your lawn in the 24 hours before a forecasted rain event. This will prevent the applied pesticide from being washed away and possibly flowing into the stormwater system. If you work with a pest control service, consult with them to confirm best practices for treatment plans and schedules. Learn more about the use of pesticides through our No-Spray Day guide.
Trash & Litter
The number one pollutant in our stormwater collection system, litter causes many problems for our groundwater. It can clog the basins, which reduces the infiltration and replenishment of rainwater into the groundwater. The solution is simple: don’t litter!
How can I help?
Properly dispose of your trash by following city guidelines regarding cans and pick-up days. You can also volunteer to clean trash. See the Clean-Up schedules in Fresno, in Clovis, and in the County.
Motor Oil
Motor oil is one of the hardest contaminants to remove from our water, so it should never be dumped down storm drains. When you change the oil in your car, runoff can go into the gutter and enter the stormwater collection system.
How can I help?
Paint & Paint Thinner
Paints and paint thinners become serious offenders of groundwater pollution when they are dumped on the ground or into storm drains. When cleaning after a home renovation project, toxins can enter the stormwater collection system and pollute the water supply.
How can I help?
Pool Draining
Most pools do not need to be drained often. But even regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filter, can cause pollution to enter the storm drains if not done properly. When pool water is drained into or near a storm drain, chlorine and other chemicals can enter the groundwater.
How can I help?
Sewage
Before dumping sewage, which includes RV waste, wastewater, commercial kitchen oil, or any cleaning solution, you have to find the right place to do so! Sewage is harmful to the environment and should never go down the storm drain because it can contaminate our groundwater.
How can I help?
Fertilizer
If you use too much fertilizer in your yard, you may be polluting the groundwater. Inadvertent overwatering can carry those excess fertilizer chemicals from your yard into nearby storm drains. Nitrates from fertilizers are soluble pollutants that can quickly seep into our groundwater, especially if they haven’t had time to set into the area where they were applied.
How can I help?
Using fertilizers within 24 hours of rain can render them ineffective as the rain washes them away—potentially polluting the stormwater system. Observe No-Spray Days and refrain from applying fertilizers before a forecasted rain event. Learn more about best practices for using fertilizers at our No-Spray Day guide.
Ask An Expert
Resources
No-Spray Day
Find out when to spray for pests to avoid the potential of polluted runoff affecting waterways and ponding basins.
Eco-Friendly Pest Control
Learn how to solve pest problems with less-toxic products—keeping your children, pets, and garden healthy!
Household Hazardous Waste Information
10 'Most Wanted' Bugs in Your Garden
Learn more about these beneficial bugs and how they keep problem pests under control naturally, without the use of harmful chemicals.
Ask an Expert
Learn more about the 153 flood basins managed by the District, wildlife in the area, and our unique stormwater system in our Ask An Expert video series.
