



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
- Trash & Litter
- Motor Oil
- Paint & Paint Thinner
- Pool Draining
- Sewage
- Fertilizer & Pesticides
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?
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 & Pesticides
If you fertilize or use pesticides in your yard, you may be polluting the groundwater. Inadvertent overwatering leads to chemical contaminants flowing into the storm drains. Nitrates from fertilizers and toxins from pesticides are soluble pollutants that can quickly reach our groundwater.
How can I help?
Ask An Expert
Resources

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.
