Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention

Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention

You have probably seen this logo stenciled near storm drain inlets, but have you ever thought about what it means? Storm water is natural and harmless because it is just rain –right? WRONG!

The storm drain collection system conveys untreated rainwater from urban areas, into creeks and eventually, into the South San Francisco Bay. Ideally, only pure, clean rainwater should enter the storm drain system. However, when rain falls in an urban environment, it flows over impervious surfaces such as street, parking lots and sidewalks, picking up pollutants such as pesticides, automotive fluids, and other toxic chemicals along the way.

Ultimately these pollutants end up in our local creeks and the Bay degrading water quality and causing harm to the environment, wildlife and you! Urban Runoff Pollution is a man made problem and is preventable. You are the solution to Water Pollution!

• Dumping or allowing any material to flow into a storm drain inlet or onto impervious surfaces such as streets and parking lots where it can be washed into storm drains or gutters.
• Saw cutting without protecting storm drains inlets or gutters
• Changing oil or draining antifreeze without collecting used fluids for recycling
• Washing out dumpsters or dumpster areas
• Spilling construction materials or debris into the street or storm drain
• Washing out cement truck chutes in the street
• Allowing dirt or litter to fall into a storm drain

If you see illegal dumping in or near gutters, storm drains or creeks,
call 911 immediately!

Watershed Watch

Santa Clara Valley Water District

Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program

Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program

City of San Jose Environmental Services

National Pesticide Telecommunications Network

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Creek Connection Action Group

To find more information on local environmental organizations, activities and volunteer opportunities click here.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified urban storm water runoff as the leading cause of water pollution in the U.S. Federal and state agencies found that water from driveways, parking lots and streets are the major sources of pollution to South San Francisco Bay.

Urban runoff affects everyone because it impacts our underground water table, our creeks, and eventually South San Francisco Bay. Motor oil drips, soaps, pesticides and other chemicals pollute all along the “water path” as water carries pollutants along its path to the Bay. We lose natural habitat, marine and wildlife and, ultimately, our quality of life in the process.

Illegal discharge may originate from commercial and residential premises. We are all responsible for protecting against accidental discharges to storm drains. If you see any material other than water flowing into a storm drain, call 911 immediately.

Milpitas Ordinance 239.1 defines illegal discharges as a public nuisance that is punishable by fines of $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second violation, and $500 for the third violation within one year.

Thank you for doing your part to protect our environment. For free information on how you can make a difference, call the City of Milpitas at 586-2605.

To view Ordinance 239.1, click here.  (Acrobat Reader is required)