Monterey Bayis closer than you think.Can you find the activities in the picture that contribute to water pollution?How do these every day activities result in pollutants entering the storm drains?

You can help prevent storm drain pollution and protect creeks, wetlands, and theMonterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary by following the suggestions below.

RECYCLE used motor oil (for free) by taking it to an auto parts store, hazardouswaste collection site or using curbsiderecycling pickup. When changing yourcar’s oil, prevent spills by placing card-board under the oil pan. Use absorbentmaterial such as kitty litter to clean upspills. Never pour used motor oil downstorm drains, on the ground, or driveways.Call recycling numbers on back.

RECYCLE your car’s antifreeze. Call therecycling numbers listed on back. Neverdrain antifreeze directly onto the groundor street. It is poisonous to pets andwildlife which are attracted to its sweetsmell and taste.

WASH cars on unpaved surfaces, or at a commercial car wash. Leftover soapywater should be poured down a house-hold sink or toilet (to be treated by asewage plant), not the driveway, gutter,street, or storm drain which lead directlyto the bay without treatment.

INSPECT and maintain your car regularlyto prevent leakage of oil, antifreeze, andother toxic fluids. Use a drip tray to catchleaks where your car is parked.

REDUCE automobile pollution by carpooling, walking, riding your bike, orusing public transportation.

KEEP as much of your property land-scaped as possible. Planted areas absorbmore rainwater and help water percolateinto the ground. Bare soil promotes waterrunoff. As an alternative to concretedriveways, use permeable pavers, whichhelp reduce runoff.

TAKE unwanted chemicals like paint andpesticides to your local hazardous wastecollection site. Use non-toxic householdproducts, if possible. When using toxicproducts follow directions carefully anduse sparingly. Properly store toxic productsaway from children. Never dumpchemicals down storm drains, ditches, gutters, or waterways. Call the recyclingnumbers listed on the back.

RINSE paint brushes in the sink whenusing water-based latex paint. Avoid usingoil-based paint. Recycle paint thinner bypouring a small amount into a sealableglass jar, cleaning brushes, and allowingpaint solids to settle. Then pour cleanpaint thinner back into its original container. Dispose of unused paint, varnishes and solvents at the householdhazardous waste collection site. Call recycling numbers on back.

CONTROL erosion at landscaping andsmall construction projects. Prevent dirtand debris from entering gutters andstorm drains. Use wattles or berms toprevent runoff. When pouring concrete,keep runoff away from storm drains andwaterways as it is toxic to fish.

Automotive Household & Home MaintenanceUSE non-toxic alternatives to pesticidesand organic gardening techniques whenpossible. Plant native California specieswhich need less water than imported varieties. Use herbicides, pesticides andfertilizers sparingly. Follow label instruc-tions carefully. Do not apply products ifrain is forecast. Never dump chemicals inditches, gutters, storm drains, or waterways. Never use motor oil to killweeds along fences and in yards. Motoroil poured in soil contaminates water.Take unwanted toxic products to localhazardous waste collection sites. Call the recycling numbers on back.

SWEEP driveways, patios, and sidewalksrather than hosing them down into thegutters and storm drains. Put lawnclippings and leaves in a compost pile oryard waste bin.

WATER only your garden and lawn, notyour driveways and sidewalks. Divert garden hoses and rain spouts away frompaved surfaces to reduce water runofffrom entering storm drains. Considerusing a rain barrel to collect water forflower bed and lawn watering.

PICK up all pet waste regularly and dispose of in the trash can, not down thestorm drain. Cat waste disposed of in thetoilet can harm endangered sea otters.

Lawn & Garden

If you see paint, cement, motor oil, antifreeze or other hazardous materials flowing into or beingdumped into a storm drain, immediately call 911 to report it.