Stormwater best practices for residents

Landscape and garden maintenance can cause stormwater pollution when soil, fertilizers, pesticides, grass clippings, leaves or other yard materials are blown or washed into streets, gutters or storm drains.

Storm drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system. Water and debris that enter storm drains can flow untreated to local waterways and the ocean.

Landscape installation

• Schedule grading and excavation projects for dry weather when possible.
• Protect soil, sand and other stockpiled materials from wind and rain by storing them under tarps or secured plastic sheeting.
• Do not stockpile dirt, sand or other materials in the street or where they can enter the storm drain system.
• Sweep up dry spills immediately and dispose of the material in the trash.
• Divert runoff away from storm drains.
• Prevent erosion by mulching or planting fast-growing grasses or other ground cover to help shield and hold soil in place.
• Consider California native or drought-tolerant plants that require less water and fertilizer.

Garden and landscape maintenance

• Do not overwater. Water only landscaped areas, not the street or sidewalk.
• Irrigate slowly and check for leaks, overspray, overwatering and runoff.
• Consider irrigation systems with rain sensors.
• Use drip irrigation, soaker hoses or micro-spray systems when appropriate.
• Use mulch in planting beds to help retain moisture.
• Do not blow, rake or dispose of grass clippings, leaves or other yard materials in streets, parkways, gutters or storm drains.
• Place landscaping waste in approved green waste containers for pickup.
• Consider leaving grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. Grasscycling can help reduce watering and fertilizer use.

Fertilizers and garden chemicals

• Use organic or nontoxic fertilizers when possible.
• Follow label directions for the use and disposal of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Do not apply fertilizers if rain is expected within 48 hours or if wind speeds are above 5 mph.
• Work fertilizer into the soil instead of leaving it on the surface.
• If fertilizer spills on pavement or a sidewalk, sweep it up immediately and place it back in the container.
• If a liquid fertilizer spills, apply an absorbent material, such as cat litter, then sweep it up and dispose of it in the trash.
• Store fertilizers and other chemicals in a dry, covered area to prevent exposure to rain and runoff.

Composting and water-wise gardening

Composting, grasscycling and water-wise gardening can help reduce waste, conserve water and protect local waterways.

Learn more about composting at home and green waste and organics recycling.

For Los Angeles County gardening workshops and composting resources, visit the CleanLA Smart Gardening webpage or call 888-CLEAN-LA.

Paint, solvents, adhesives, rinse water and paint cleanup materials can pollute storm drains and local waterways if they are poured or washed into streets, gutters or storm drains.

• Never pour paint, solvents, adhesives or rinse water into the street, gutter or storm drain.
• Use drop cloths when painting, scraping or sanding outdoors.
• Sweep up paint chips, dust and debris and dispose of them properly.
• Take leftover paint to an approved paint recycling or household hazardous waste collection site.

Pet waste can pollute streets, gutters, storm drains and local waterways when it is left on lawns, sidewalks, trails or in the street.

Storm drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system or treatment plants. When it rains, pet waste can wash into the storm drain system and flow untreated to local waterways and the ocean.

Why pet waste matters

• Pet waste can contain bacteria, parasites and viruses that may affect people, pets and water quality.
• As pet waste breaks down, it can reduce oxygen in the water and release ammonia, which can harm fish and other aquatic life.
• Pet waste contains nutrients that can contribute to weed and algae growth in waterways.
• Pet waste left on sidewalks, lawns or public areas can attract flies, create odors and spread parasites or infections.

What you can do

• Pick up pet waste from your yard regularly.
• Carry disposable bags when walking your pet.
• Pick up after your pet on sidewalks, streets, trails, parks and other public areas.
• Place bagged pet waste in the trash.
• Pick up pet waste before cleaning patios, sidewalks, driveways or other hard surfaces.
• Never hose pet waste into the street, gutter or storm drain.

Pet waste is not fertilizer or compost. Picking it up helps protect neighborhood cleanliness, public health and local water quality.

Pool and spa water can contain chlorine, salt, algaecides, acid wash residue and other chemicals that can harm aquatic life if they enter gutters, streets or storm drains.

Storm drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system or treatment plants. Water that flows into the storm drain system can flow directly to local waterways and the ocean.

• Do not drain pool or spa water into the street, gutter or storm drain.
• Do not rinse pool filters, backwash residue or pool chemicals into the street, gutter or storm drain.
• Contact a qualified pool service provider for proper draining, filter cleaning and chemical disposal guidance.

Discharging pool or spa water into public streets, alleys, gutters or storm drains is prohibited.

Power washing sidewalks, driveways, patios, trash areas or other hard surfaces can send dirt, soap, oil and debris into streets, gutters and storm drains.

• Sweep or vacuum loose debris before using water.
• Use mops, brooms, rags or brushes when possible instead of power washing.
• Do not allow wash water, soap or debris to flow into the street, gutter or storm drain.
• Block or contain wash water when needed and collect it for proper disposal.
• Remember that “biodegradable” soap can still harm aquatic life if it enters the storm drain system.

Used motor oil and oil filters can pollute soil, groundwater and local waterways if they are poured down drains, placed in trash carts or allowed to enter gutters and storm drains.

• Drain used motor oil into a clean, leakproof container.
• Do not mix used oil with water, brake fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze or other materials.
• Let used oil filters drain completely before recycling them.
• Take used motor oil and oil filters to a certified used oil collection center or household hazardous waste collection facility.
• Never pour used oil into a sink, toilet, storm drain, gutter or onto the ground.

Lakewood residents can pick up a free used oil recycling kit at City Hall. Learn more about used oil and filter recycling kits.