Stormwater Pollution Prevention for Residents

• Pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly in the garbage.
• Keep garbage and recycling cans tightly covered to prevent litter from being blown away or scattered by foraging animals.
• Clean leaves and trash from your rain gutters and street. Dispose of tree branches and leaves in the compost and litter in the garbage.

• Use “green” gardening methods such as conserving water, installing native plants, mulching and composting, and using less toxic pest management techniques.
• Adjust your sprinklers or irrigation systems to prevent water from draining onto paved surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks.
• Use a broom, not a hose or a blower, to clean up outside.
• Compost leaves and yard clippings using your own compost system or through the City’s program.
• Sweep dirt into landscaping to prevent it from entering the storm drain system.
• When using a gardening service, be sure they follow the guidelines listed above.

Install stormwater capture features on your property, such as rain barrels and cisterns, rain gardens, and pervious pavement. These features collect rainwater for future irrigation use, reduce moisture and ponding around building foundations, build resiliency against drought, and filter pollutants from stormwater runoff that would otherwise enter creeks and the San Francisco Bay. Apply for a stormwater rebate with the City.

• When using power washers, carpet cleaners, or window washers, dispose of dirty water in a sink, sanitary sewer cleanout, or vegetated area where it won’t run into the stormwater system.
• Rinse latex paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors.
• Use a drop cloth to catch dripping paint.
• Keep concrete, cement, dirt, or mortar from blowing or flowing into the street or storm drain. Don't wash tools or dispose of excess materials in the gutter or storm drain.
• Dispose of paint and cleaning products at the Household Hazardous Waste Station.

Drain your pool, spa, or fountain into a sanitary sewer cleanout or vegetated area, not a street or storm drain.

• Only buy and use chemicals when necessary and choose the least toxic options. Store and dispose of them properly.
• Store household chemicals in secondary containment, such as a plastic bin. Properly dispose of leaking containers and expired/unwanted products at the Palo Alto Household Hazardous Waste Station.
• Keep chemicals stored indoors or under cover away from rain.
• To clean up toxic spills like motor oil, paint, and antifreeze, use an absorbent material such as kitty litter. Sweep up and dispose of soiled absorbent promptly.

• Regularly maintain your vehicle to prevent air-polluting exhaust and leaks of auto fluids. Fix leaks promptly.
• If you change your own oil, recycle it and the filter with Palo Alto’s curbside collection program or through Palo Alto’s Household Hazardous Waste Station.
• Tarp Your Load. Properly covering and securing loads reduces the loss of litter and debris from truck beds.

• Use a commercial car wash. They are often equipped with equipment that uses less water, and they usually collect and reuse their water.
• Ensure that hired mobile businesses (e.g., car detailers, carpet cleaners, and dog groomers) dispose of liquid and solid waste appropriately and not into the street. They should dispose of wastewater in a utility sink, toilet, sanitary sewer cleanout, or a vegetated area that won’t overflow into the street

• Adopt a creek through the Valley Water Adopt A Creek Program to help keep it clean of trash and debris.
• If you see litter, pick it up and put it in a trash can.
• Participate in a creek cleanup! Visit cleanacreek.org for cleanup information on Coastal Cleanup Day and National River Cleanup Day. 
• Move beyond single-use disposables to reduce waste and litter. Bring your own reusable utensils and snack packs, or buy food items with less packaging. Everyday actions add up! Visit Zero Waste Living for additional tips and information.