In most places, whatever goes down a storm drain flows directly - without treatment - into lakes, creeks, streams, river and eventually the ocean!

  Storm Water Watch:
Keeping Pollutants out of
our Storm Drain System ...Plus,
Preparing for Stormy Weather

Southern California's extremely dry summers create hard soils that, typically, cannot absorb the first rains of the season. Therefore, "good housekeeping practices" are needed all year long to keep pollutants out of our storm drain system. Tips to help prevent pollutants from running into the streets and gutters, as well as preparing for inclement weather include ...

Tips for Preventing Pollutants from Entering the Storm Drain System
		Minimize your use of toxic chemicals and clean up spills quickly. Always dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) by taking it to an appropriate disposal site, such as a HHW recycling event. Call (888) CLEAN-LA for more information, or click here for scheduled collection events.)   Common storm drain pollutants include: Detergents and cleansers Swimming pool chemicals Construction materials, paint and solvents Automobile oil and grease, radiator fluids and antifreeze Pesticides, insecticides and herbicides, lawn clippings, soil, fertilizer For additional information, also visit the following websites: LA County Stormwater Program / www.888cleanla.com Erase the Waste Public Education Campaign
		Apply pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.   They contain products that promote algae growth in local waterways. Abundant algae growth suffocates aquatic life. As the algae decomposes, it depletes the oxygen level in the water. All aquatic life needs oxygen. Try using nontoxic alternatives for pest control. If you must use chemicals, apply sparingly and do not apply when rain is forecast. Take unwanted leftovers to a household hazardous waste collection center, and never throw those products in the trash. Click on link above for dates/times of upcoming collection events.
		Pick up ANIMAL WASTE and dispose of it in your trash bin.    Pick up animal waste; seal it in a bag, and dispose of it in your BLACK trash container. Animal waste contains harmful bacteria and organisms that can spread serious diseases if allowed to reach the storm drain system.
		Take unwanted paint to a Household Hazardous Waste Roundup or collection center.   Properly clean up after using oil-based paints and take any leftovers to a HHW collection center. When using latex water-based paints, you can wash brushes directly in the kitchen or bathroom sink.     Never hose down spills, equipment or dirt to the street.
		Implement GRASS-RECYCLING or COMPOSTING.   Leave grass clippings on the lawn where they will quickly decompose, returning nutrients to the soil and preventing yard waste from getting into the storm drain. Yard and grass clippings cloud the water and block out sunlight that is essential to aquatic life.  Grass-cycling makes caring for your lawn easier, and will not cause thatch. It can reduce mowing time by not having to bag or dispose of clippings, and save you money by reducing the need for fertilizer. It also saves valuable landfill space since trimmings make up the largest single component of California's municipal waste. The average California lawn generates 300 to 400 pounds of clippings per 1,000 square feet annually. This can be as much as eight tons per acre each year!
		Inspect rain gutters attached to your home or apartment and remove any build-up of leaves or debris.    This will allow rain water to flow and drain properly, down and out, and away from your structure.  Have a qualified person check the roof for possible leaks, and have them repaired before the rain arrives.  Roofs should also be cleared of all leaves, debris, and especially, any water buildup, as these could result in a roof collapse.
		Inspect outdoor sump pumps on a regular basis, as clogged pumps will permit water buildup in your yard, which may result in dangerous flooding.    Remove all debris from the area around the drain and pump, and run-test it for brief periods at regular intervals.  This is especially important for parking areas or yards that are below grade level.
		Properly dispose of litter, trash and yard waste.    ...In your BLACK Yard Waste Container.    Leaves, trash and other debris that finds its way into the storm drain, in turn, flows from the flood control channel  into the ocean.  Along this journey, the potential for clogged gutters and resulting flooding is high, not to mention the unnecessary pollution of ocean waters.
		Call the City IMMEDIATELY if you see someone dumping HAZARDOUS WASTE into a storm drain or find substances of a hazardous nature (such as oil and chemicals) that have been dumped on the ground or into a storm drain.     Call (626) 570-5061 during regular business hours. If you need to call after normal business hours or on a weekend, contact the Alhambra Police Department at (626) 570-5168. Alhambra Business Inspection Program to Eliminate Discharge Pollutants To minimize the hazards of storm drain pollution, the Utilities Department (in accordance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System regulations) inspects industrial plants, auto body shops, gas stations, restaurants and other businesses to eliminate non-stormwater discharges, and to ensure that the best management practices are being implemented to decrease the potential for pollutants entering the City's storm drain system. For more information on this program, click here.
Additional Tips for Preparing for Stormy Weather
		Check the wiring around your home to ensure that it is not tangled in tree limbs, and that it is not laying directly on any part of your roof or other structure nor drooping down excessively.     Any power lines lying low enough to touch should never be handled or stepped on.  Immediately notify a qualified person from the utility company and/or the Alhambra  Fire Department to inspect the wiring and alleviate the hazard.
		Plant adequate, low-level ground cover to help prevent mud slides from bare-soiled areas if you live adjacent to a slope or hill.    Check the hillside and other yard areas for leaning trees or those with broken branches.  These should be removed and/or braced to withstand wind and rain conditions.  Pick up a few sand bags now, and have them ready.  All four Alhambra fire stations are equipped with sand bags, and a limited number are available to residents at no charge.  Sandbags can be obtained at many locations throughout the year, including free sandbags available at all Alhambra fire stations:   301 North First Street 2200 West Main Street 1215 South Sixth Street 2505 West Norwood Place Sand can be purchased at a hardware store, such as Home Depot, or a landscaping & gardening store.
		Charge flashlights with fresh batteries.   It is essential during power outages to have flashlights on hand. Candles should NOT be used as a substitute for lighting, and should not be left burning when residents go to sleep or leave the house. Carrying lit candles, while walking, can pose both burn and fire hazards.
		Store extra supplies of non-perishable food items and water.     You may need them during stormy weather when you can't get to the store and they should be available for other types of emergencies and disasters. Leaving home during a storm may be dangerous and hazardous, and a full supply of food and water will insure adequate supplies for survival until the emergency has passed
		Buy a Good Umbrella and Some Rain Gear.    Have rainy weather clothing and umbrellas available for the entire family. They will help keep everyone dry and ward off colds and flu.
		Know Who to Call.   When there is a serious problem, and immediate help is needed, it helps to have a list of appropriate emergency numbers handy. Why not post this list by your phone?

Type of Incident	Phone No.
Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies	Call "9-1-1"  (translators are available 24 hours per day iin many languages)
Traffic Signal Problems	City of Alhambra-Traffic Engineering (626) 570-5058
Power Outages	Southern California Edison (800) 684-8123
Problems with Gas Heaters & Appliances	Gas Company/Sempra Energy   (800) 427-2200
Flooding	Call "9-1-1" in an Emergency situation; Call Alhambra Fire Department (626) 570-5190 (non-emergency)
Potholes/Street Repair	City of Alhambra Street Department (626) 570-5067
Arching/Sparking or Downed Electrical Wire	Call "9 -1-1"

West Nile Virus (WNV)

WNV can be controlled by following the following guidelines:

• Check and drain all trash cans. Drill holes in the bottoms to allow water drainage. Keep trash cans tightly covered at all times.
• Drain water from flowerpot trays and self-watering flowerpots. Use material or steel wool to block 'fill-holes' in self-watering pots which mosquitoes use to enter and lay eggs.
• Clean rain gutters of leaves and pooled water. Sweep standing water from street gutters and report ongoing problems to the District.
• Check patio/yard drains to ensure they are free of standing water. Clean debris to ensure water flows out.
• Check and turn over all children's toys, buckets, wheel barrows, etc. Store indoors or in containers that will not hold water. Drill drain holes in tire swings to prevent water accumulation.
• Inoperable pools and spas must be checked and maintained now, and after every rainfall event, no matter how minor. Just a few inches of water will take weeks to evaporate and can produce thousands of mosquitoes.
• Ponds, fountains, water barrels, and bird baths are notorious breeders of mosquitoes. Ensure water movement by filtration and aeration, and stock with mosquitofish (available for free at you local district) if appropriate. Bird baths should be flushed weekly and kept free of algae.
• REPORT ALL DEAD BIRDS to the District by calling (626) 814-9466 or online at www.sgvmosquito.org/report.html. Dead birds are an indication that the virus is circulating in the environment. Not all birds will be collected for testing; however, the information is still critical to the statewide bird monitoring program