Clean Water Hotline – 760-435-5800

For more information, please visit our Clean Water Program website at www.oceansidecleanwaterprogram.org.

Storm drains, which were designed to carry rainwater and urban runoff from City streets to prevent flooding, now contribute to the majority of water quality problems in inland and coastal water bodies. In addition to the water the drains were designed to carry, they also carry off oil, animal waste, chemicals, trash, silt, fertilizers and insecticides, vegetation, etc. All of this matter ends up in local waterways, like creeks, lakes, estuaries, bays, wetlands, streams, and ultimately, the Pacific Ocean. Storm drains are not connected to the City’s sewage system – they carry runoff and pollutants directly to nearby water bodies.

The City of Oceanside Clean Water Program is designed to improve the quality of water in all water bodies flowing into the City and the ocean by minimizing the amount of pollutants that flow into them. Ordinances regulating discharges into storm drains have been written and are being enforced by Code Enforcement Officers. Anyone viewing a potential violation is encouraged to call the Clean Water Hotline at 760-435-5800. Upon receipt of a call, appropriate staff will be dispatched to resolve the situation.

Improvements in water quality begin with the general public. Because urban runoff has been identified as the largest source of pollutants entering our water bodies, the following discharges have been prohibited from entering storm drains:

• Sewage.
• Wash water from the hosing or cleaning of gas stations or other automotive service facilities.
• Wash water from the hosing or cleaning, repair, or maintenance of any type of equipment, machinery, or facility – including motor vehicles and construction equipment.
• Wash water from the hosing or cleaning of any parking lot, street, sidewalk, driveway, patio, plaza, work yard, or eating establishment.
• Runoff from material storage areas containing hazardous chemicals, fuels, grease, oil, or other hazardous materials.
• Pool or fountain water containing chlorine, biocides or other chemicals, discharges, or filter-backwash water.
• Sediments, pet waste, vegetation clippings, or other landscaping or construction-related wastes.
• Food related wastes – grease, fish processing, restaurants or trash-bin cleaning.
• Household cleaners and solvents.
• Soil.

Some things that you can do in your home:

• Buy household products that are labeled “non-toxic”.
• Use toxic products – like paint, solvents and cleaners – carefully, and dispose of the empty containers properly, either in the trash or at the hazardous waste collection facility.
• If hazardous material is spilled on a hard surface, use kitty litter or other absorbent material to soak it up.
• When using water-based paints, rinse the paintbrushes in the sink.
• Recycle reusable materials.

In your yard and garden:

• Use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers carefully. Do not apply them if rain is forecast. Dispose of residual or no-longer-needed products at the hazardous waste collection facility.
• Use a broom to clean up leaves, clippings and litter from patios, sidewalks and driveways – do not use a hose.
• Whenever possible, divert rainwater from hard surfaces to grass and permeable soil.
• Do not over-water your lawn or garden. Do not let water drain into the gutter.
• Pick up animal waste and dispose of it in the toilet or trash.

In your automobile:

• Recycle used crankcase oil and antifreeze.
• Have your car regularly inspected for leaks and maintain it regularly.
• Help reduce auto emissions by keeping your car tuned and in good working order.
• Wash your car on your lawn or permeable surface with a minimum of water. If that is not possible, use a commercial carwash, as they recycle their wash water.