WHAT IS STORMWATER POLLUTION?

Everywhere in the West Valley storm drains carry water from streets and yards to local creeks and on to San Francisco Bay -- without wastewater treatment.

Stormwater Pollution occurs when pollutants accumulate on streets and other surfaces and are washed off by rainfall or water.

The pollutants flow into storm drains and from there directly into creeks and on to the Bay.

Residents may contribute to stormwater pollution through regular everyday activities like driving and gardening. Commercial and industrial activities can also be sources of pollution.

Stormwater pollution is an important issue because it affects the health of local creeks and San Francisco Bay.  Stormwater pollution reduces water quality (see "Impaired Waters").

DID YOU KNOW .... You may live miles from San Francisco Bay - and still be polluting its waters!

AMAZING ! ! ... the 0.5 grams of mercury typically found in a thermometer can pollute 5 million gallons of water in the San Francisco Bay

CAUSES OF STORMWATER POLLUTION PROBLEMS

Impervious Surfaces:
As rural areas become paved over with "impervious surfaces", less water can flow into the ground and be filtered by plants, sand and gravel. The runoff flows directly to streams and the Bay, carrying pollutants with it.

Pollutants in stormwater come from a variety of sources including:
•Pesticides and fertilizers that run off from yards and gardens due to rain or watering

•Oil, anti-freeze, and other fluids from cars on driveways, parking lots & city streets

•Toxic metals & chemical compounds from auto exhaust and wood-burning smoke. These deposit directly on the surface of the water during rainfall.

•Household Chemicals such as:
Paint thinners, oil- and water-based paint, drain cleaners, pool & spa chemicals and others

•Soap, metals and dirt washed off of vehicles into the driveway and street

   ** Use less toxic methods for controlling pests: baits, sticky barriers, insecticidal dust, etc.

   ** Inspect and maintain vehicles regularly. Fix leaks immediately.

   ** Use a commercial car wash; or at least wash cars on unpaved surfaces.

   ** Drain pools and spas into a sanitary sewer outlet, NEVER into a street.

   ** Landscaping or Excavating? Keep dirt from blowing or washing into the street.

   ** Report illegal dumping into the storm drain (Report Illegal Discharge)

   ** Drive less! Exhaust contains harmful chemicals - walk, ride a bike or bus, carpool.

   ** Recycle used fluids: •unused paints  •pesticides  •auto fluids  •household chemicals
        • Call the County Household Hazardous Waste Program at:
          -- (408)  299-7300

IMPAIRED WATERS
WVCWP is responsible for the watersheds of the:

• Calabazas   •Los Gatos   •Saratoga   •San Tomas Aquino   Creeks
•and their smaller tributary creeks

The State has declared all these creeks (except San Tomas Aquino) as "impaired.waters" (see Clean Water Act) due to a common household pesticide called "diazinon".

These creeks ultimately flow to the San Francisco Bay. The Bay is listed as "impaired" due to pollutants like:
• chlordane,   •copper,    •DDT,   •diazinon,    •dieldren,    •dioxin & furan compounds,    •mercury,    •nickel,    •PCBs and    •selenium.

 The CLEAN WATER ACT

 • Recognizes that every body of water  has uses that are valued and worth  protecting.

 • Uses might include (for example): --fishing  --swimming   --drinking

 • Water bodies that lack the water quality necessary for supporting their designated uses are considered "impaired waters".

 • Each state is required to develop a list of impaired waters and the contaminants that impair them.

 • This is known as the "303d list" after that section of the Clean Water Act.