Households - how you can help

^{Image credit: Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP)}

Where does your water go?

Protecting our local waterways is something everybody can be involved in. The most important part of maintaining clean creeks, rivers, reservoirs, and bays is to ensure that only clean water is allowed to flow from your property into storm drains. Remember: the water from storm drains flows directly into local water bodies with no filtration or treatment. Pesticides, wash water, sewage, automotive fluids, paint, construction materials, sediment, and food waste that go down the storm drains are entering the nearest natural creek or stream.

Household best management practices

You can help protect our creeks, rivers, and bays by following these common sense practices: 

• Do not dump anything into the storm drain, gutter or drainage ditch: Only Rain Down the Drain!​
• Get your car washed at commercial car wash instead of at home
• Clean up outdoor spills of chemicals or paint with mops and absorbents
• Dispose of your car oil properly
• Eliminate irrigation runoff from your landscaping by properly maintaining your irrigation system and reducing your garden watering
• Don't spray pesticides or herbicides before a rainfall
• Consider environmentally friendly landscaping and pervious pavement
• Make an appointment to drop off your Hazardous Household Waste through the County's program
• Maintain your Septic System​​
• Clean up after your pet. Do not leave pet waste on the ground.

Educational resources

• Draining pools and spas     
  Keep pool, spa, and fountain water out of storm drains, creeks, and the Bay.
• Clean cars and clean creeks     
  How to keep car wash pollution out of local creeks and the Bay.
• Safer house-cleaning methods     
  Safe house-cleaning methods and tips for making informed choices about cleaning products.
• How trash gets into our creeks     
  Learn how trash gets into creeks through this interactive exercise.