With the recent rains comes a reminder for residents to be aware of what they are sending down the storm drains.
When rains come, the water sweeps along everything in its path, sometimes clogging storm drains with debris, causing neighborhood flooding and carrying pollution to Oso Creek or Aliso Creek.
During storms, trash, organic matter and automotive pollutants are primary sources of pollution that threaten our local watersheds.
Most people don’t realize that even leaves and grass clippings carried into the storm drains with rainy weather can not only clog the pipes but can also disrupt the ecological health of our waterways. Here are some ways you can help:
1. Pick up all litter and loose objects like yard clippings and branches in your yard and on your property. Dispose of yard clippings in your green waste container.
2. Check your own yard drains to make sure they aren’t clogged. If they are, clean them and properly dispose of the debris. Also, look at the catch basin at the end of your street. If it is clogged, report it to the City at 949-470-3095.
3. Sweep all dirt from driveways and walkways and throw it in the trash. Even dirt is a pollutant when carried into the creeks. Never hose down sidewalks or driveways.
4. Don’t fertilize or use pesticides on your lawn and garden before a storm. Those chemicals are washed off the lawn into the street and storm drains.
5. Always clean up pet waste and flush it down the toilet or throw it in your trash container.
6. Store paints or other toxic chemicals indoors.
For more information, visit www.cityofmissionviejo.org/green.
Kelly Tokarski
The City of Mission Viejo
Public Information Specialist
