You can easily prevent stormwater and wastewater pollution by taking some simple steps around your home.

• Be sure all trash and recyclables are in appropriate bins with lids and/or secured so light-weight items don’t get carried away by the wind. Trash and bottles and cans can clog storm drains, creating problems during storm season and, if washed down, can pollute creeks and the Bay.
• Clean out the garage! Dispose of unused paints, solvents, and cleaners at your local household hazardous waste collection facility – never down any indoor or outdoor drain.
• Never dump unwanted paint or other chemicals down any indoor or outdoor drain.
• Use less toxic gardening techniques for a beautiful, healthy yard. Visit OurWaterOurWorld.org for more information.
• Never spray pesticides when rain is forecast.
• Avoid spraying the perimeter outside of your house in the fight against pests. Seek the services of a certified “less toxic” pest control professional. For more information, click HERE (Use the current page we have set up for this link).
• Give yourself a break – use a commercial car wash to avoid runoff. When washing the car yourself, even bio-degradable car wash soap harms aquatic life before it completely breaks down. Try washing it on the lawn or over gravel and keep the runoff out of the storm drain.

Your Garden

Pesticide Use

Residential pesticide use by homeowners and pest control services is the main source of pesticide pollution in San Francisco Bay. Spray pesticides used for ant control are one of the largest contributors. These and other pesticides wash into storm drains and creeks during rain or when you water your garden.

Look for this symbol for effective, Bay-friendly garden products

• Click here for local stores that stock supplies with the Our Water our World symbol
• Visit ourwaterourworld.org and learn how to control pests and minimize pesticide hazards to your family, pets, local creeks, and the Bay. Get free advice from a pest control pro who will respond to you within 24 hours.
• Looking for a "Bay-friendly" gardener? Visit the Bay Friendly Landscaping and Gardening Coalition. 
• Looking for a pest control service? Ask for EcoWise Certified.  Visit www.ecowisecertified.org or call (510) 524-2567 for companies using less toxic products and techniques that really work and are safer for people and the planet.
• Got a pest problem you just can't solve? Ask the Expert.

• Grow It Guide - A guide to control pests and plant disease using less toxic methods.
• Pocket Guide - This pocket-guide offers product choices to handle pests that are less toxic to people, pets and the environment.

Your Car

Vehicle Maintenance

Keep our local water bodies and the Bay clean by properly disposing of your used vehicle fluids. Always remember to take your used or unwanted oil containers AND filters and all other used or unwanted vehicle fluids to one of the many free recycling locations throughout the Bay Area. Find the closest drop-off site near you.

Washing your car on your driveway or the street sends dirty water laden with soap, heavy metals, oil and grease into the gutter that eventually leads to local creeks and the Bay. Instead, go to a car wash, where the drains lead to the wastewater treatment plant.