Think you live too far away from the Bay to have an impact? Think again! Our houses, our parks, and our businesses are all directly connected to the San Francisco Bay through the drain at the end of the street. Rain and water from our lawns, gardens and streets washes pollutants like motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers, metals and debris into the gutter, down to the storm drain, out to our creeks and into the Bay without treatment. Storm water pollution is one of the leading causes of pollution in our creeks and the Bay.

What can you do?

A lot! Small changes in your daily routine can add up to big pollution prevention pay-offs.

·         Reduce the use of toxic products in your home or garden, and dispose of what you do have as Household Hazardous Waste. (www.hhw.org)

·         Sweep your driveway and sidewalk instead of using a hose. Keep yard trimmings out of the storm drain.

·         Keep your car in tune and fix any leaks promptly.

·         Move your car on your street sweeping day

·         Pick up litter and pet wastes, and put them in the garbage.

·         Wash your car at a commercial car wash or over a lawn instead of in your driveway or the street.

Call 945-3000 to reports spills, dumping, and anything that threatens the Storm Drain. You can also report storm drain pollution online by going to http://www.sanjoseca.gov/esd/stormwater/ and clicking the online reporting form.