Preguntas frecuentes

  • Rainfall runoff, snow melt runoff, and surface water runoff and drainage that enter the storm drain system and empties into lakes, rivers, streams or the ocean.

  • Yes, you can always request to remain anonymous.

  • El sistema de alcantarillado pluvial transporta el agua de lluvia a los arroyos locales, ríos y el océano. Este sistema se creó para evitar inundaciones en comunidades y hogares.

    Toda el agua y los materiales que entran en el sistema de alcantarillado pluvial están sin tratar.

    El alcantarillado sanitario es un sistema de tuberías que transporta el agua usada de los edificios a una instalación de recogida y tratamiento de aguas residuales, donde se tratan el agua y las aguas residuales.

    If you see an outdoor drain and are unsure of its use, assume it is a storm drain and do not discharge wash water to it.Clean creeks are important. They provide vital fish habitat, recreation, and add to the beauty of our city.

  • Individual residential vehicle washing is permissible by City code when properly managed.

    The following practices are recommended:

    • Preferred washing area is at a commercial carwash or in an area where wash water infiltrates, such as vegetated or landscaped areas.

    • Pumps, vacuums or physical routing Best Management Practices may be used to direct wash water to the sewer, landscape, or to areas for infiltration or re-use.

    • Practices that minimize runoff, such as using a bucket and sponge, should be implemented.

    Another alternative is to gather up a few simple items from around your home to make your own berm to divert or contain wash water. To start, grab a towel, preferably a beach towel, and a plastic garbage bag.

    1. En primer lugar, enrolla bien la toalla. La forma óptima de hacerlo es empezar en una esquina de la toalla y enrollar hacia la esquina opuesta del otro lado de la toalla.

    2. Una vez que tengas la toalla enrollada y tensa, llena un cubo vacío con agua y empapa completamente la toalla.

    3. Coge la toalla mojada y métela en una bolsa de plástico para la basura. Haz un nudo en el extremo abierto de la bolsa de plástico para sellarla.

    4. Coloque su berma sobre una superficie plana para desviar o acumular el agua en consecuencia.

    5. Una vez en su sitio, pise la bolsa y la toalla para aplanarlas. Presione la bolsa y la toalla firmemente contra un servicio plano para aumentar la superficie y ayudar a crear un sello.

    6. Su berma está lista. (Recuerde que un galón de agua pesa 8,35 libras. Cuando coloque su berma para acumular agua, como colocarla en un canalón, utilice un objeto pesado de alrededor de la casa, como un cubo de basura, para asegurar la parte trasera de la toalla del peso del agua acumulada).

    7. Wash water can be redirected to landscaping using this berm or you can purchase a relatively inexpensive hand siphon pump, typically under 10 dollars, to pump any pooled water into a bucket where it can be disposed of in a nearby sink or toilet or into nearby landscaping.

  • The top ten items collected from 1989-2012, which represented nearly 90 percent of the items removed, were: (1) cigarette butts; (2) bags (paper and plastic); (3) food wrappers and containers; (4) caps and lids; (5) cups, plates, forks, knives, and spoons; (6) straws and stirrers; (7) glass beverage bottles; (8) plastic beverage bottles; (9) beverage cans; and (10) building materials. Municipalities are required to capture trash equivalent to the diameter of a pencil or cigarette butt (5mm) and greater.

    On April 7, 2015, the State Water Board adopted statewide Trash Provisions to address the impacts trash has on the beneficial uses of surface waters. The Trash Provisions establish a statewide water quality objective for trash and a prohibition of trash discharge. Trash Provisions are in compliance with Water Code Section 13383 Order.