Stormwater Quality Program

As rainwater or runoff flows over lawns, driveways, parking lots, sidewalks and streets, it picks up pollutants such as pet waste, chemicals, and litter. Unfortunately, this polluted water runs into a nearby storm drain where it is carried directly into the river, without treatment. Pollutants that end up in our creeks and rivers pose a great threat to our waters. Below are a few examples of what’s commonly found in our waterways and actions you can take to prevent pollution:  

​Trash

Rainstorms wash trash into gutters and storm drains which eventually lead into streams, creeks, rivers, and the ocean. Cigarette butts, paper, fast food containers, plastic bags, cans and bottles, used diapers, construction site debris, old tires, and appliances are just some of the different types of trash produced by human activity that continue to pollute waterways. Trash is a significant pollutant to California’s waters that causes​ adverse effects to aquatic life, wildlife, and public health​.

M​otor Oil

Used motor oil significantly contributes to the pollution of Sacramento County's waterways. Petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals found in used motor oil pose a direct threat to fish and other aquatic species. One quart of oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water. That's equivalent to the water in 12 residential swimming pools.

How you can help:

Pet Waste

Pet waste contains bacteria and parasites which is harmful to our waterways. Studies show that only 60% of dog owners pick up after their pets and a single gram contains an estimated 23 million bacteria! Dog poop also contains nutrients that stimulate weed and algae growth and attracts flies!

How you can help:

Pick up after your pets and encourage others to do the same. When you walk your dog, carry a bag and use it to pick up the poop, then throw it in the trash. By taking this action, you can be a solution to pollution!​

Yard Waste

When left in the gutter or dumped into storm drains, yard wastes (e.g. leaves and debris) travel directly to local rivers and creeks. Once in the water, yard wastes decompose rapidly. This process adds excessive waste to our waterways, which is detrimental. Yard waste also clogs storm drains, rendering them ineffective and causing excessive water buildup.

How you can help:

  • Sweep sidewalks and patios rather than hosing debris which can end up in gutters.
  • Use a yard waste bin for green waste.

Pesticides/Fertilizers

Pesticides are often found in local creeks and rivers at levels that cause environmental harm. This can occur even when pesticides are used legally, according to the label. Pesticides that run off into the storm drains can be toxic to aquatic life and pollute local creeks and rivers.  

How you can help:

  • Avoid using pesticides or herbicides on your yard and garden whenever possible
  • Apply all garden products sparingly and be sure to follow label directions carefully
  • Do not over-water lawns and gardens. Over-watering can flush large quantities of pesticides and fertilizer directly into storm drains.
  • Do not apply yard chemicals when rain is forecasted in the near future.

For tips on how to manage specific pests such as ants, roaches, weeds and more, go to Our Water Our World.

Carwashes

When you wash your car in the driveway, pollutants from dirty water such as detergent, motor oil, gas, and residue from exhaust fumes wash off cars and make their way into nearby storm drains. These pollutants flow through the storm drain system and drain into local creeks and rivers, without going through treatment. The pollutants that end up flowing into creeks and rivers may end up harming fish and other wildlife.

How you can help:

  • Take your car to a commercial carwash. Most commercial car wash facilities recycle water or are connected to the sanitary sewer system that will treat dirty water.
  • Wash your car on a grass or gravel surface to filter runoff
  • Consider using environmentally-friendly products labeled “non-toxic”, “phosphate free” and “biodegradable.”
  • Conserve water by using a spray nozzle with an automatic shut off or shutting off the hose when not in use.
  • Use a bucket of soapy water to re-soap rags or sponges throughout the wash rather than adding more soap directly to rags or sponges. Always empty buckets of dirty wash water onto landscaped areas (where the water cannot reach a storm drain) or into sinks or toilets.

Interested in doing a fundraiser carwash?

If you are planning to host a fundraiser carwash, please consider partnering with a commercial carwash. These facilities drain their waste water into sewer systems, where it gets treated. They also help conserve water by re-using their rinse water.

If you are a carwash facility that would like to host a carwash, the Business Environmental Resource Center (BERC) can help evaluate your site and determine if it’s suitable for fundraiser carwashes. For more information, please contact BERC at 916-874-2100 or visit BERC’s website.

Household Hazardous Waste

Certain household items such as cleaners, pesticides, light bulbs, thermostats, and batteries must be taken to a household hazardous waste facility for safe disposal. For a list of facilities and accepted items, please visit Sacramento County’s Waste Management and Recycling’s website.

Sediment and Erosion

Erosion and sediment discharges are visible and environmentally harmful pollutant sources associated with ground disturbing activities, such as landscaping and home renovation projects as well as the residue from washing down equipment such as trucks, mixers, hand tools and wheelbarrows. Any pollutants that are carried off site in runoff wind up in our creeks and rivers. The property owner is ultimately responsible for preventing water pollution resulting from construction activities, but all involved during the project have a role.

For more information on other pollutants, please visit beriverfriendly.net