STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Did you know that storm drains are NOT connected to sanitary sewer systems and treatment plants? The primary purpose of storm drains is to carry rain water away from developed areas to prevent flooding. Untreated storm water, and the pollutants it carries, flow directly into the creeks, lagoons and ocean. Keep reading for suggestions on how you can help keep our creeks, lagoons and ocean clean . . .
Dispose of Yard Waste More
Frequently
By disposing of grass, leaves,
shrubs, and other organic matter
more frequently — less will wash
into storm drains.
Reduce Use of Landscape Chemicals
Decrease the use of lawn and
garden care products such as
pesticides, insecticides, weed
killers, fertilizers, herbicides and
other chemicals. Avoid overirrigation
which washes chemicals
tinto the gutter and storm drains.
Sweep or Rake
Sweep up debris and put it in a
trash can. Do not use a hose to
wash off sidewalks, parking areas
and garages. Rake up yard waste
and start a compost pile.
Use Soap Sparingly
When washing your car at home,
use soap sparingly, divert
washwater to landscaped areas
and pour your bucket of soapy
water down the sink. Never
wash your car in the street.
Clean up After Your Pets
Take a bag when you walk your
pets and be sure to always clean
up after them. Flush pet waste
down the toilet or dispose of it
in a sealed plastic bag and throw
it in the trash.
Buy Non-Toxic Products
When possible, use non-toxic
products for household cleaning.
If you must use a toxic cleaning
product, buy small quantities, use
it sparingly and properly dispose
of unused portions. For information on the Vista
Household Hazardous Waste
collection facility call (877) 713-2784.
Care for Your Cars
Fix fluid leaks immediately. When
you change your oil, recycle it
properly. For the recycling
center nearest you, call
1-800-CLEANUP.
Plant Natives
Rather than plant exotic plant species, use California-Friendly native plants. Exotic plants can destroy native plant populations and increase the need for prolonged watering and chemical use.
Control Erosion
Make sure hillsides, or other slopes around your property, do not discharge sediment or dirt onto the sidewalk, gutter, street or storm drain.
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an emerging area of residential, landscaping, and agricultural pest control that uses a combination of environmentally-sound approaches to reducing and controlling the populations of common outdoor insects. The goal of an IPM program is to develop a long-term strategy to reducing pests, while avoiding the use of harmful chemicals. Common IPM approaches include: removal of exotic plants and replacement with natives; using "good-bug" predators to controlling "bad-bugs"; and reducing and eliminating chemicals (such as fertilizers and pesticides) that disrupt the normal ecological function of gardens.
The following are informational sheets are devoted to controlling these common pests:
Safe Use and Disposal of Pesticides
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
General Water Quality Brochure