Stormwater

Over Watering

Did you know that over watering contributes to stormwater pollution? Over watering washes the chemicals in pesticides and herbicides from your lawn into the street and into the storm drain. Over watering also wastes precious water resources. There are several ways that you can stop over watering and help the environment. For information on how visit Over Watering is Out. There you will find news on the drought, tips to save water, and even rebates to save you money. 

Orange County Beach Health

Tustin has a direct impact on the health of Orange County beaches? Storm drains are designed to remove rain water from the street. Water flowing from your sidewalk goes into a catch basin, flows through the City storm drains, and then ultimately ends up unfiltered in the Pacific Ocean. This is different from our sewer systems which carry water from inside our homes to a wastewater treatment facility. 

Blue and green no dumping

Storm Drain Tips

Please remember that storm drains are for rain and not the following:

  • Automotive Fluids (Including used oil filters)
  • Recycle all hazardous waste including:
    • Antifreeze
    • Household waste like:
      • Caustic cleaners
      • Paint
      • Solvents
    • Motor oil
    • Radiator fluids
  • Draining your swimming pool: View the Pool and Ocean Maintenance (PDF) for easy tips to prevent pool chemicals from entering your street, the storm drains and eventually the ocean
  • Litter: Do not throw litter and debris into the street, trash in the gutter flows directly to local beaches and can clog storm drains causing flooding
  • Fertilizers or Pesticides: Reduce pesticides and fertilizer use during wet weather, excessive use of fungicides, insecticides, and fertilizers contribute to storm water pollution with the release of toxic and synthetic chemicals
  • Pet Waste: Pick up after your dog, animal waste left on the ground washes down storm drains and contaminates beaches
  • Yard Waste
    • Bag compost or recycle grass, tree limbs, leaves and other yard waste
    • Don’t rake, blow, or hose yard waste into the gutter
    • Soggy yard waste is a major contributor to clogged storm drains, and street and neighborhood flooding