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Storm
Drains
The
storm drain system carries rainwater and other runoff from
roads, parking lots, and roof down spouts directly to local
creeks and the Bay, with no treatment.
Along
the way to the storm drains, rain and runoff pick up
pollutants on the ground and other surfaces. Storm drains
collect and convey runoff from most streets in our
communities. The storm drains on your street may be stenciled
with "No Dumping Flows to Bay" or a similar message.
Water flowing through these storm drains is untreated and can
carry pollutants to our creeks and streams, which eventually
go to
San Francisco
Bay
.
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 that can be harmful when
eaten by small children, pregnant women, or anyone who eats
these fish frequently.
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Sanitary
Sewer System
The
sanitary sewer system carries wastewater from sinks, toilets
and other indoor drains to local wastewater treatment plants,
where processes remove most wastes before the treated water is
discharged to the Bay.
However,
wastewater treatment plant processes cannot remove all
solvents, metals, or synthetic organic chemicals from wastewater, which
is why it’s important to dispose of grease and oils,
pharmaceuticals and other hazardous materials through an
authorized household hazardous waste disposal program.
