CITY OF CYPRESS
As the seasons change and we head into fall and winter, the rainy season is fast approaching. After a long period of dry weather like we’ve experienced during the year, the first flush or the first significant rainfall will flush months of accumulated pollutants such as litter, lawn clippings, pesticides, motor oil, and pet waste down storm drains. Unlike water from sinks and toilets that flow through sewer systems, water that flows through storm drains is not treated before entering our creeks, rivers, bays, and ocean.
Maintaining your landscape can help reduce pollution in our waterways. During wet-weather months, it is important to closely monitor your lawn watering habits and adjust your watering schedule to reflect the weather conditions, such as shutting off your sprinklers or use the rain-delay feature before and during rainy weather. When you avoid unnecessary watering, more rain can soak into your landscape and less runs off into the storm drain.
Preserve existing vegetation as much as possible. Plants are a natural, inexpensive and highly effective means for controlling runoff. Runoff slows down and loses much of its force when it reaches vegetation, which works as a filter, straining out sediment, debris and other pollutants. By preparing for the rain, you can help reduce storm water pollution and improve the health of our creeks, rivers, bays and ocean.
Leaves may have collected in the rain gutters along your roof over the summer. Remove the debris from the gutter and place it in a green waste container before it rains and clogs your gutter. Also, direct downspouts and gutters to drain onto your lawn or plant beds where water will soak into the soil. Minimize impervious surfaces such as concrete and asphalt and maximize the absorption capacity of your land through vegetation.
Erosion is another peril of heavy rain. To help prevent soil from leaving your property, examine your area carefully. Be aware of the slope, drainage patterns and soil types. If your property is prone to erosion, consider the following:
Plant grass seed or other vegetation before the fall rains begin.
· Apply netting and straw mulch on steep slopes.
· Preserve trees and shrubs in streamside areas.
· Incorporate existing native vegetation into your landscape area.
· Direct water runoff away from areas subject to erosion.
Do your part! Remember, the Ocean Begins At Your Front Door. For more information about what you can do to prevent water pollution, or to report a water pollution problem, contact the Orange County Storm Water Program at 1-877-89-SPILL, or visit www.ocwatersheds.com, or the Cypress Public Works Department at (714) 229-6747.
Andrew J. Tse
Administrative Services Manager
City of Cypress
5275 Orange Avenue
Cypress, CA 90630
