Pollution in our watersheds degrades the environment, harms wildlife habitat, impacts the economy and jobs, causes higher taxes and fees, and ultimately affects the health of humans as well. Pollutants such as motor oil, paint products, pet waste, litter, sediment, and chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides are washed by rain and over-watered lawns into neighborhood gutters and storm drains.

In day-to-day activities, people can cause some of these pollutants to enter storm drains and creeks without knowing that they are causing harm to the environment. Some pollutants, including pesticides, are found in our creeks at levels high enough to be toxic to aquatic life. Other pollutants, such as mercury, even in relatively small quantities, contaminate certain fish which can be harmful when eaten by small children, pregnant women, or anyone who eats these fish frequently.

The federal Clean Water Act and the California Water Code mandate that all cities and counties, as well as businesses and industries, take steps to prevent watershed pollution. However, individuals also cause pollution and each of us can prevent it by making very simple changes at home, work, school and play. Preventing pollution is much easier and less expensive than cleaning it up.