Don’t go with the flow: Tackling liquid pollution in our storm system
Published on September 16, 2024
When it rains, water flows directly into the storm drains, carrying anything in its path to our waterways––including pollution.
Pollution isn’t just unappealing; it can also dramatically impact our natural resources when it accumulates in the storm system. Pollution also includes liquids that may not be as unsightly. Stormwater pollution harms aquatic wildlife, causes hazardous conditions and increases costs to municipalities, which in turn, gets passed on to taxpayers. We depend on and enjoy our waterways, so it is important to be mindful of our habits.
Here are four ways to identify and prevent stormwater pollution:
- Taking out trash... the right way
Household hazardous waste (HHW) are chemical wastes and materials typically used within a household such as paints, cleaning solutions, oil, batteries and pesticides. Since these wastes and materials may be corrosive, toxic, or flammable, they should ALWAYS be disposed of at a HHW facility, not within a household garbage or down the storm drain.
- Dispose of household hazardous waste at designated recycling locations.
More information about Household Hazardous Waste can be found here.
More information about recycling locations can be found here.
- Not all water is stormwater
Just like oils and other fluids, contaminated water is prohibited from being drained into the City’s storm system.
Prevent stormwater pollution by making small changes to your daily routine:
- Use a commercial car wash instead of washing your car on the street
- Clean paint brushes in your sink, not outdoors.
- Discharge pool water to sanitary sewer.
- If you see something, say something
Reporting incidents of water pollution problems such as illegal dumping or discharges helps keep our local creeks, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean pristine for all of us. If you suspect illegal dumping, make a report to the City for further investigation.
Fill out an illicit discharge report here.
- Commit to change
The City partners with several organizations committed to keeping our waterways pristine.
The City of Menlo Park and Grassroots Ecology are partnering to host volunteers for the annual Coastal Cleanup Day at San Francisquito Creek. Join us Sept. 21 as we remove trash and recyclables from our local watershed to celebrate and enhance our beautiful waterways.
Learn more about this opportunity here.
Menlo Park is a member agency of a countywide effort called Flows-to-Bay, spearheaded by the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program (SMCWPPP). Flows To Bay has launched a litter pledge program to encourage everyone to be committed to keeping your neighborhood, community, business and school — LITTER FREE!
Sign up for the Flows-to-Bay newsletter or commit to the Litter Free pledge here.
When in doubt, remember: only stormwater should go down storm drains! For more information, please visit flowstobay.org or email stormwater@menlopark.gov.