By Loren Magaña
Manager, Stormwater Public Education Program
Water quality affects the everyday lives of Californians who rely on local waterways to live, work and play. As the summer season approaches and drought conditions persist, the Caltrans Stormwater Public Education Program, “Let’s Change This to That,” is working to bring attention to the top six sources of stormwater pollution that affect waterways in each California Water Board region.
The pollutants identified have an outsized impact on the water quality of community lakes, rivers, streams and the ocean, and many are preventable through small actions Californians can take. The following six pollutants and preventative actions can keep waterways clean:
- Trash and litter: properly secure items in truck beds and put trash and recycling in the bin.
- Sediments: prevent soil erosion by sweeping driveways instead of hosing them off; use mulch in the garden, and plant trees and shrubs.
- Nutrients: avoid overfertilizing lawns and plants and limit vegetation waste by keeping fallen leaves out of storm drains.
- Bacteria: limit pet and RV waste by picking up after your pet and using appropriate RV dumping stations.
- Metals: regularly check tire pressure, change oil and fluids, and use commercial car washes to prevent metals generated from vehicle, tire, and brake wear from ending up on highways.
- Pesticides: use organic pesticides and properly dispose of unused portions.
“Preventing stormwater pollution requires the help and support of every Californian, and it starts with keeping highways and roadways clean,” said Steven Keck, acting director of Caltrans. “We know every community is different and each water body faces its own unique set of challenges, but trash and sediment are far and away the most common source pollutants plaguing water quality in our state.
“ Those of us who live, work, and play in California must take necessary steps to prevent pollution from the source and keep our waterways clean.”
In a press conference on May 3 at the Berkeley Marina Waterfront, the campaign called on all Californians to pledge to keep stormwater clean and also unveiled localized creatives in the Top 5 media markets. We invite you to visit CleanWaterCA.com to take the clean water pledge and learn more about the sources and pathways of stormwater pollution and what we can do about them.