There are many types of pollutants that find their way into stormdrains. Some common pollutants found in stormdrain systems and creeks include:

Pet Waste
Motor oil and gasoline
Leaves & lawn clippings
Fertilizers and pesticides
Car wash water
Sediment & debris from construction projects
Trash & garbage

It's important to remember that any type of surface water runoff, not just rainfall, can run into the stormdrains and collect in the stormwater collection system. For example, when you wash your car on the driveway, that water, dirt, and grime ends up in the system.

You can do your part to help protect San Luis Obispo's water resources by following Do's and Don'ts:

DO

• Pick up and dispose of pet waste in trash (not green waste)
• Direct your sprinklers away from driveways and sidewalks.
• Sweep the gutters and driveways regularly and place the sweepings in your garden or green waste
• Rake up leaves or lawn clippings and use them as mulch on the garden or place them in the compost
• Dispose of paint and chemicals at approved disposal sites
• Maintain your car, making sure there are no leaks and that fuel is burnt cleanly
• Use the minimum amount of detergent for cleaning outside, and wash your car on the grass or on gravel
• Take your car to a car wash, where the water is recycled

DO NOT

• Work on your car in a place where oil and grease may wash into gutters
• Hose dirt off hard surfaces (roads, paths, driveways) into gutters
• Hose leaves and grass clippings into gutter
• Pile sand and soil on areas where it can wash into the stormwater system
• Overuse pesticides and herbicides that could be washed into stormwater from the garden or yard
• Put anything in a storm drain. Only rain goes in the drain.