Water ResourcesPollution Prevention

Your Yard or Garden

Pesticides and fertilizers can pollute our creeks and Bay. storm drain inlet

Storm Drain Inlet

  • Eliminate or reduce your use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. If you must use chemicals, use them sparingly. Especially avoid products containing diazinon and chlorpyrifos, which can harm aquatic life.
  • Control pests with non-toxic alternatives such as hand-picking, traps, closing up holes, and encouraging predatory insects.
  • Locate Integrated Pest Management Partnership Stores in your area. These hardware stores and nurseries have committed to providing their customers the most up-to-date information on pollutants and less toxic pest controls.
  • Never apply chemicals when rain is forecast.
  • Don't over-water. Chlorinated tap water can be dangerous to aquatic life. pig's head in front yard

    Not always business as usual for
    our inspectors. Here, a pig's head
    and bag of pig guts sit in
    a Livermore front yard.

  • Slow down runoff by directing water from roofs and paved surfaces to areas where it can soak into the ground or filter through vegetation.
  • Compost yard and garden trimmings. Use compost to provide natural, slow-acting fertilizer.
  • Keep litter, leaves, and chemicals out of storm drains.
  • Dispose of unused chemicals properly.
  • Pick up animal wastes and dispose in garbage cans or toilet.