Urban Runoff

Tips for keeping wastewater clean and protecting the Bay!   Report Violations, Call 9-1-1

Wastewater from your home’s plumbing and any water that flows down gutters to street drains will eventually wind up in the Bay. Follow these tips to help protect aquatic life:

• Fish don’t need aspirin or any drug. Never flush medicines down the toilet or any drain because ingredients can make their way into the Bay. Dispose by wrapping medicines tightly and throwing in the garbage.
• Keep fats, oils and grease out of your drains. You’ll avoid plugged drains and contribute to better quality wastewater as well.
• Dispose of paint, solvents and all Household Hazardous Waste through Santa Clara County’s HHW program. Schedule a free appointment at (408) 299-7300.
• Reduce use of pesticides and never pour down a drain or a gutter. Visit www.MyWatershedWatch.org for safer pest control tips.
• Lead and mercury from tossed electronic products can leach into water, so dispose of these items through a neighborhood e-waste collection event, or call Santa Clara County’s Recycling Hotline at (408) 924-5453.
• Recycle used fluorescent lights, which contain mercury; check with your local hardware stores for free recycling services.
• Conserve water. Reducing your water use saves you money and “slows the flow” of wastewater into the Bay.

Clean Cars, Clean Creeks:

Wash your car on the lawn or other unpaved surface and keep water from running into the street. This keeps chemicals and soaps out of storm drains which flow to creeks and the Bay.

If you are planning a charity car wash, consider raising environmental awareness while you raise money. Borrow one of our free and easy-to-use Car Wash Kits.

For more information, click here or call (408) 586-3350 to reserve the Car Wash Kits.