Pollution Prevention/NPDES

The 1972 Clean Water Act established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit program to regulate the discharge of pollutants entering our oceans via the storm drains. Preservation of our oceans and bays has become a primary concern in our City and Orange County. Dumping anything but clean, clear water in the storm drain is illegal and harmful to the environment. Anything we use in our home, car and business like motor oil, paint, pesticides, fertilizers and cleaners are considered hazardous materials, and must be disposed of properly. To avoid excessive fines, remember that storm drains are there to drain water off the street, not for disposal of hazardous materials.

For more information regarding Pollution Prevention, please go to the OC Watersheds website.