Water Quality Tips for Residents
How can I help to keep my watershed pristine?
Stormwater pollution can have detrimental effects on the local community and environment. Fortunately, stormwater pollution can be prevented. With a little consciousness and simple changes in everyday behavior, stormwater pollution can be averted.
Educational Materials
Review the list of materials below for more information on how you can prevent Stormwater pollution. For a list of additional brochures, please click here.
Ocean Begins at Your Door
Automotive Maintenance
Oil, grease, anti-freeze and other toxic automotive fluids often make their way into the stormdrain system and contribute to stormwater pollution. Use the guidelines contained in these pollution prevention materials when working on your car.
Automobile Repair & Maintenance
Dog and Livestock Owner
When it rains, dog and other animal waste left on lawns, sidewalks and in the street can wash into stormdrains and flow untreated directly into our local waterways. The bacteria and risk of disease threatens the health of our community. Follow these easy steps to be a responsible pet owner and help protect your family and environment’s health.
Disposal of Pet Waste
Home Improvement
Many items we use everyday-such as paints, pesticides, fertilizers, motor oil, etc-often make their way into the stormdrain system and are not treated before entering waterways. More information on how to properly dispose of common household waste materials can be found in the Household Hazardous Waste section of this website and in the following brochure.
Household Hazardous Waste
Lawncare and Gardening
Improper lawncare and gardening can adversely affect our environment such as sprinkler runoff that carries pesticides and fertilizers into the stormdrain system. Grass clippings, leaves and other yard waste gets swept or blown into the street, clogging catch basins and polluting waterways.
Home & Garden Care Activities
Orange County Sanitation District Sewage Spill Information
Pollution Reporting and Additional Resources
Water Pollution Complaint Hotline
In Irvine:
To report a malfunctioning sprinkler or other errant irrigation issues: (949) 724-7600
In the County of Orange:
To report illegal dumping of toxic waste, toxic waste spills, or clogged catch basins:
(877) 89-SPILL or (877) 897-7455
County of Orange, OC Watersheds
Orange County Stormwater Program
(877) 89-SPILL or (877) 897-7455 or visit www.ocwatersheds.com
Orange County Stormwater Program
24 Hour Water Pollution Reporting Hotline
(877) 89-SPILL or (877) 897-7455
Orange County Health Care Agency Environmental Health
(714) 433-6419 or visit www.ochealthinfo.com
Regional Water Quality Control Board
Santa Ana Region
(951) 782-4130 or visit www.waterboards.ca.gov
California Office of Emergency Services
(800) 852-7550 or visit www.oes.ca.gov
