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Pollution Prevention for Residents

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As stewards of our community and environment, it's crucial that we take proactive steps to prevent stormwater pollution in and around our homes.

Please take the time to read some of the common pollutant activities and how you can prevent pollution to protect our creeks and local beaches.

Mini aussie dog standing on green grass

When pet waste is left on the sidewalk, street, yard, or lawn, stormwater and non-stormwater runoff can wash it directly into our storm drain system and out to our creeks, lake, and eventually the ocean without it being treated first. This is because storm drains are not connected to wastewater treatment plants or septic systems like the drains in your home.   

Animal waste is a threat to human and environmental health because it contains harmful bacteria and pathogens, some of which can cause serious diseases in humans. Animal waste also contains many other nutrient pollutants, which contribute to damaging algae growth in a water body. 

 
How to properly dispose of animal waste 

Being a responsible owner means picking up after your animal. Here is how you can properly dispose of animal waste and prevent local water pollution: 

  • Bring a bag 

  • Clean it up 

  • Dispose of it properly in the trash 

 

Required Activities 

  • All pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of.  Pet waste should be disposed of in the regular trash. 

  • To properly dispose of pet waste, carry bags while walking with pets.   

  • Look for a bag station.  These are conveniently located at many city parks and open space trail heads. 

  • Bathe pets indoors and use less toxic shampoos.  When possible, have pets professionally bathed.  Properly inoculate your pet to maintain their health and reduce the possibility of pathogens in pet waste. 

  • Properly dispose of unused flea control products (shampoo, sprays, or collars) by placing in the regular trash. 

 Red lawn mower sitting on grassy area 

A runoff friendly lawn and garden does not harm waterways by utilizing limited chemical application and absorbing the proper amount of water. Activities such as over irrigation, landscape maintenance, fertilization, and pesticide application have the potential to discharge pollutants to the storm drain system. 

Use these tips to help prevent polluted runoff from entering our storm drain system. 

 

 

 

 

Required Activities 

  • Properly adjust irrigation systems to reflect seasonal water needs 

  • Minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Read the labels and follow directions to avoid improper use. Only apply chemicals when it is not windy and more than 48-hours from a rainstorm 

  • Properly clean up and dispose of gardening chemical, fertilizer, or soil spills. If possible, return the spilled material to the container for future use 

  • Store lawn and garden care products in closed and labeled containers, in covered areas, or off the ground and under protective tarps 

  • Cover non-vegetated surfaces to prevent erosion 

 
Recommended Activities 

  • Utilize drought and insect resistant landscaping 

  • Nurture your garden often to control weeds, which require additional irrigation when not removed 

  • Use integrated pest management (IPM) by planting pest repelling plants 

  • Do not leave food (human or pet) outside overnight 

  • Remove fruit and garden waste 

 Prevent & Report Sewage Spills 

Sewer spill flowing out of manhole cover

This information will be helpful if your property has sewer service or you own a private sewer line (also known as private lateral). 

Your private lateral is what transports wastewater from indoor plumbing fixtures like toilets, sinks, and dishwashers to the public sewer line and treatment plants. Property owners must maintain their private laterals from the connection at their property to the public sewer (which can include areas under the sidewalk and street) to prevent any spills. 

Sewage spills can cause pollutants to get into the storm drain system and go untreated into our waterways, damaging water quality and marine life. 

Tips for Lateral Maintenance 

Prevent Blockages 

  • Only flush toilet paper down the toilet. 

  • Scrape food scraps into a designated food waste/organics receptacle before rinsing dishes and utensils in the sink. 

  • After cooking at home, let grease cool then pour or scrape it into a metal can. When the can is full, dispose of grease properly.

 

 

Conduct Structural Maintenance 

  • Work with a licensed plumber to map out and decide the optimal maintenance schedule for your property. 

  • Clean your private laterals occasionally to eliminate grease, debris, and roots. 

  • Repair or replace worn down or damaged private laterals as soon as possible. 

Watch for Signs of a Spill or Backup 

  • Water is draining slower than usual and getting slower over time. 

  • Drains are backing up inside of buildings. 

  • Unusually wet or soggy ground in your yard, which might be accompanied by odors. 

What To Do When You See a Sewage Spill 

  • Turn off the property’s main water supply or stop all water usage. 

  • Contact a licensed plumber to fix a suspected sewer backup or leak. 

  • Contact the Utilities Department for sewer spills from a cleanout or manhole. (805) 781-7215 or (805) 781-7312 after hours  

Report Sewage Spill Immediately 

(805) 781-7215 or (805) 781-7312 for after hours