Pollution Prevention Programs

Think Blue San Diego: Urban Runoff

Pollutants such as automotive fluids, break dust, leaves, grass clippings, pet waste, cigarette butts, mop water, dirt, and unfinished beverages are generated everyday and combine to create a gooey, sticky, stinky unhealthy mess that contaminates and closes our beaches.

When it rains, or when water is used, pollutants are picked-up from the ground and carried into the nearest storm drain down the street. The storm drains are not connected to a treatment system, so everything that flows down the drain goes directly to the nearest water body, ultimately flowing into the ocean.

It is important to understand the condition of our nation's coastal waters has degraded over time. With the inception of state-wide water quality testing standards and public disclosure laws, California is now able to accurately measure and fully communicate the condition of recreational waters to residents. And, with the data gathered from testing, municipalities and other agencies are working hard to develop long-term collaborative strategies to minimize the impacts of urbanization on our beaches, bays and watersheds.