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1. How can I reduce pollution caused by washing my car in the street or driveway?

Soapy water is not absorbed by paved surfaces. It flows along the curb to the storm drain and into local creeks and the San Francisco Bay. Even soaps labeled nontoxic or biodegradable are harmful to the environment.

Instead: Use a commercial car wash service that recycles water or, if you continue to wash your car at home, direct water onto a lawn or unpaved surface and minimize the amount of soap you use. Find out how to receive a Watershed Watch discount card for car wash discounts.

For information about how to safety conduct an environmentally-friendly car washing event, contact the West Valley Clean Water Program (WVCWP) to receive a free Car Wash Kit and training at office@wvcwp.org.

2. What is the best way to clean off driveways and sidewalks?

Water used for hose-downs takes particles of motor oil, other automotive fluids, grime, trash, leaves, and other pollutants into the storm drain system.

Instead: Regularly sweep driveways, sidewalks, and curbside gutters. Clean oil and grease spots off the driveway by applying a dry absorbent such as kitty litter, corn meal or sawdust to the spot. Let it sit for several hours, then sweep into a plastic bag and place in the garage.

3. What should I do with dirty cleaning water?

Avoid pouring it into the gutter, as they flow directly into the storm drain system. There is no treatment of water in the storm drain system, and they flow directly into local creeks and the San Francisco Bay.

Be sure to dispose of dirty cleaning water in a sink or toilet where it will be "cleaned up" during the wastewater treatment process.

4. How should I dispose of my pet's waste?

If left on the lawn, pet wastes can be washed into the storm drain system by rain or irrigation watering. Pet waste adds hazardous bacteria and organic compounds that can alter a creek's water chemistry and can lead to the death of plants and fish.

Please be sure to dispose of pet waste in the garbage to reduce this risk of contamination.

5. What should I be aware of when using pesticides and herbicides?

Pesticides and herbicides can wash or be blown by the wind into the storm drain system where they are hazardous to aquatic life.

Always be sure to use garden chemicals according to label instructions. Never use garden chemical when rain is forecast for the next 24 hours. If at all possible, consider organic gardening methods.

6. Are any environmental dangers presented by oil, antifreeze, or other fluids leaking from my car?

Automotive liquids allowed to drip on driveways and roads turns into an oily residue that is washed into the storm drain system by rainwater, runoff from landscape watering, or sidewalk/driveway hose-downs.

Please be sure to have leaks repaired as soon as you notice a spot on the driveway or in the garage.

7. What should be done with drained pool and spa water?

The chemicals used in pools, spas, hot tubs and fountains can be toxic to aquatic life in local streams and the San Francisco Bay Area.

When cleaning out your pool, spa, hot tub, or fountain, discharge the water into a sewer line after obtaining permission from the local sewage treatment plant.