San Diego is notorious for its year-round 72 degree, mostly sunny forecasts. We do experience this thing called “weather” every once in a while, though. As the winter season quickly approaches, please remember that only rain goes down the drain!

If you see anything other than rainwater from a storm along the curb, gutter, alley, or street, please help us protect San Diego’s water quality by reporting the issue on Get It Done.

One of the best ways to ensure clean water and clean beaches in San Diego is to control irrigation runoff. Overwatering lawns and landscaped areas can create runoff that may contain pollutants – such as pesticides or fertilizers – that can be harmful to the environment. That runoff then goes untreated into the storm drain system and, eventually, our local waterways.

Other examples of unwanted storm drain discharges may include oil, grease, swimming pool and spa water, construction waste, landscaping waste, car wash water, and power-washing wastewater. Preventing urban runoff from polluting our storm drain system helps keep our waterways safe, protects neighborhoods from flooding, and allows stormwater to be used as a resource to boost local water supply.

By adopting simple pollution prevention behaviors, you can be part of the City of San Diego’s Think Blue campaign. Here are just a handful of ways you can contribute to cleaner, safer waterways:

• Report stormwater issues on Get It Done;
• Don’t overwater your plants, lawn, or landscaping;
• Ensure sprinkler heads are positioned correctly;
• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly;
• Pick up your pet’s waste;
• Never dump anything down a storm drain;
• Sweep your walkways and driveways to prevent debris from clogging storm drains; and
• Place all trash and yard clippings in the appropriate waste bin.

Thanks for helping protect our communities and natural resources. Be sure to bundle up as the temperatures drop below 70 degrees this winter!