In addition to reducing waste and preventing pollution we have a few more suggestions on how you can help keep stormwater clean:

Landscaping Practices and Water Quality

Beneficial bugs, Less toxic pesticides, and alternative landscaping practices:
Incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in your lawn, garden, home and business. IPM practices include the use of biological and physical alternatives for pest prevention and control, instead of using chemicals. Toxic chemicals found in pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizer will be washed into the Delta with the rainwater and cause serious harm to our wild plant and animal life. There are plenty of alternative methods other than using toxic chemicals such as, attracting beneficial bugs to your garden, preventing insects from entering into your home and by using diluted soap solutions. For more information on less toxic and alternative practices check out the City's Less Toxic Pesticide, Insecticide, and Fertilizer page.

Use compost, organic fertilizer and practice grasscycling:
If your lawn or garden is in need of additional nutrients, consider using compost from your own food scraps or purchased from Mt Diablo Recycling. Grasscycling is another great and easy source of nutrients and simply involves not picking up that grass clippings that land on your lawn. For more information go the City's Less Toxic Pesticide, Insecticide, and Fertilizer page.

Use minimum/more efficient irrigation practices:
Excessive irrigation contributes to pesticides flowing into the storm drains, creek, and Bay. On December 20, 2010, the City of Pittsburg revised the City’s previously adopted water-efficient landscape ordinance in recognition of the mandate in Assembly Bill 1881 (Laird) and in accordance with the State Department of Water Resources’ model water efficient landscape ordinance intended to ensure the conservation of water in irrigated landscaped areas. The revised ordinance outlines the current standards and requirements for projects creating or rehabilitating landscaping. See Pittsburg Municipal Code (PMC) Section 18.84.31 for project applicability.

Gotta Wash Your Car? Do it the bay-friendly way!
Did you know that soapy water from a carwash (carrying dirt, grease, and other pollutants) will cause harm to fish and other aquatic life in our creeks, rivers and bay? Try these tips for mitigating your impact to the waterways when your runoff enters the storm drain:

• Take your car to a commercial carwash. Most commercial car wash facilities recycle water or are connected to the sanitary sewer system that will treat dirty water.
• Wash your car on a grass or gravel surface to filter the runoff before it enters the storm drain
• Consider using environmentally-friendly products labeled “non-toxic”, “phosphate free” and “biodegradable.”
• Conserve water by using a spray nozzle with an automatic shut off or shutting off the hose when not in use.
• Use a bucket of soapy water to re-soap rags or sponges throughout the wash rather than adding more soap directly to rags or sponges. Always empty buckets of dirty wash water onto landscaped areas (where the water cannot reach a storm drain) or into sinks or toilets.

You can watch this video for more helpful tips!

Recycle your used motor oil
Don't dump your used oil into the storm drains! This oil will not be treated by the sewer system it will directly impact our drinking water and wildlife. There are several locations in Pittsburg that accept used motor oil for recycling and the City offers a free oil storage container; to get yours call 925-252-4129.

 Be an Oil Buster! Check out the Mr. Funnelhead website for:

- A list of places that collect used motor oil
- A list of disposal services the offer curbside pickup
- To report illegal dumping
               - Information on educational programs in your area
               - Mr. Funnelhead videos, art contest, and photos

Recycle and properly dispose of mercury and copper products:
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can be found in many household products such as thermometers, fluorescent bulbs, and thermostats. It can be very dangerous and toxic to the environment if these items are not cared for or disposed of properly. Copper is another element found in many households, typically in old plumbing, that when disposed of improperly can breakdown and cause environmental damage and harm to natural wildlife. Take items with these and other harmful toxins to our local collection facility: the Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. For more information on mercury products and proper care in your home check out the City's "What you should know about mercury" brochure [PDF].

Report illegal dumping in your area:
If you see someone polluting our water by disposing of trash, oil, or anything else call (925) 252-4936.