Storm Water Pollution Prevention

Storm Water Pollution Prevention

Storm water Pollution is urban run-off from a rain event that has picked up pollutants (i.e. automobile fluids, pet waste, sediments) as it flows through the storm drain system a network of channels, gutters, and pipes that collect run-off from city streets, neighborhoods, farms, construction sites and parking lots, which empties directly into local waterways:

  • Unlike sewage that goes to a treatment plant to remove toxins, urban run-off flows untreated through the storm drain system and directly into our local water bodies.
  • Anything thrown, swept or poured into the street, gutter or catch basins at the curbside openings goes into the storm drain system, which flows into our channels, creeks, Santa Ana River, and eventually the Pacific Ocean.
  • Polluted storm water run-off is the number one source of water pollution in the United States.

Contact Us

Environmental Program Coordinator
Ph:  909.364.2835
Email: 
14000 City Center Drive 
Chino Hills, CA  91709

Ways the Community Can Help 

  • Safely dispose of all unwanted Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) (for example used oil, paints, pesticides, etc.) at an HHW collection location. HHW disposal is free for San Bernardino County Residents. Find the nearest HHW collection location and accepted items at TooToxictoTrash.com.
  • Never clean paintbrushes or rinse paint containers in the street, gutter, catch basin or near a storm drain. Safely dispose of unwanted paint at a HHW collection location.
  • Leave sprinklers on long enough to allow water to soak into the ground but not so long as to cause run-off.
  • Never hose or blow grass clipping, leaves or other yard waste into the street, gutter or catch basins.
  • Place grass clipping, leaves and other yard waste into the green waste recycling container. Grass clippings can have significant impacts:
    • Grass clipping, leaves and other yard waste can cause catch basins to clog.
    • Grass clippings contribute nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which cause unwanted and uncontrolled growth of algae and aquatic weeds in the waterways. Too much algae can be harmful, blocks sunlight and prevents other plants from growing. When algae dies and decays, it takes much needed oxygen away from aquatic life.