Pollution Prevention

People's lifestyles can contribute to pollution of water resources. Rain and excess water from home use (over watering, car washing, etc.) flow down gutters, into pipes and to stormwater basins, canals, creeks, and in some areas, to the San Joaquin River.

This water contributes to groundwater recharge and ends up as part of our drinking water supply. That is why it's important to keep storm drains and stormwater clean. Pollution prevention is not just up to businesses, but individuals, too. There are well over half a million people in the Fresno/Clovis area and we all need to do our part to help keep stormwater clean.

Here are tips on preventing stormwater pollution at home:

Conserve water in your yard

Over watering your landscape wastes water and can carry garden chemicals such as weed killers, pesticides and fertilizers off your lawn and into the storm drain system. Over watering also costs you money if you're already on a water meter.
Check your sprinklers monthly to make sure they're on the right seasonal schedule and that the system is working well (sprays are pointed at greenery and not the driveway or sidewalk, leaks are fixed and broken sprinkler heads are replaced).
Get for more information on water conservation in the City of Clovis and in the City of Fresno (para traducir información en español, consulte "Seleccionar idioma" menú desplegable en la parte inferior de la página). Para servicios de cliente de la ciudad de Fresno en español, por favor llame 621-5480.
How much water does your lawn really need? Find out how much water is right for your variety of grass.
Make plant choices and use water appropriately for our climate. Resources: 'Creating a Fresno-Friendly Garden', Water-Wise Gardening in the Fresno Region

Be a smart gardener

Buy less toxic home and garden products. Learn about less toxic products and natural control methods (Integrated Pest Management - IPM) by visiting Our Water, Our World's web site at www.ourwaterourworld.org.
Buy only the amount you need.
Follow product label instructions to avoid using too much.
Do not apply lawn or garden chemicals when rain is forecast.
Rinse lawn and garden chemical containers three times; each time, pour the rinse water into the applicator and use it in your last application of the product.
Give unwanted chemicals to someone who can properly use them, or take them to a household hazardous waste collection event.

Sweep sidewalks and patios, instead of hosing them down.
Compost leaves and clippings, or put them in the green waste bin.
Bag animal waste and put it in the garbage.

Maintain your vehicle

Inspect and maintain your car regularly to prevent/stop leaks.
Recycle used oil, antifreeze, and other fluids at an automotive center, or participate in curbside oil recycling. Click here for used oil recycling information in the City of Fresno or state-wide used oil recycling information.
Use absorbent kitty litter and sweep up leaks and spills. Dispose of the litter in garbage containers. Never wash spills into the gutter!
Reduce automobile use by carpooling, biking, walking, or riding the bus. When it rains, air pollution turns into storm water pollution! Click here for info on Ridesharing

Paint with care

Never wash paints or painting equipment residue into the street!
Water-based paint, rollers, brushes, and equipment must be rinsed in a sink.
Avoid oil-based paint. Unwanted oil-based paint, varnishes, and used thinner must be taken to a household hazardous waste collection event. Save and reuse thinner whenever possible. Empty and dry paint containers can be disposed of in the garbage.

More things you can do

Reduce, reuse, and recycle!
Don't litter.
Volunteer to mark storm drains with "No Dumping" placards. The District can supply everything you need. See Clean Storm Water Community Services for details.

Partners for a Clean Community

To make the most of available public outreach and education budgets, several local governmental agencies with similar or complimentary pollution prevention messages have been working together on media buys and outreach material development.

PSAs:

Follow the links below for the "Partners for a Clean Community" member agencies' information on recycling and pollution prevention.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) - 'Don't Trash California' public awareness campaign.
City of Clovis - Curbside recycling program for used motor oil and recyclable materials (paper, plastic, cans).
City of Fresno - Curbside recycling program for used motor oil and recyclable materials (paper, plastic, cans).
County of Fresno - Curbside recycling program for used motor oil and recyclable materials (paper, plastic, cans) + household hazardous waste disposal.

New Residential Landscaping Award Program: Central Valley Friendly Landscaping

Is Your Landscape Central Valley Friendly?

If your landscape uses the seven principles of Central Valley Friendly Landscaping, it could earn recognition as a community model of the beauty of environmentally friendly design and inspire others to protect and conserve the Central Valley’s resources.

Central Valley Friendly Landscapes - 7 Principles:

Conserve water and ensure water quality
Conserve energy and protect air quality
Nuture the soil
Reduce garden waste
Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Select appropriate plants
Create and protect wildlife habitat

First-Ever Awards Event Held October 15

The first-annual awards event was held Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Clovis Botanical Garden. Six residential yards were chosen for this year's award, and homeowners of all six sites came out and spoke to the group about why and how they transformed their landscaping. View pictures from October 15, 2011 awards presentation held at the Clovis Botanical Garden.

There is so much to find out about why and how to make your landscape Central Valley Friendly. Visit http://ucanr.org/CVFriendlyLandscaping for lots more information.

Applications for 2012 will be available on the Central Valley Friendly Landscaping web site and will be accepted from February 1, 2012 through June 1, 2012. Evaluations will be done June 2-September 1, 2012, and awards will be presented in October, 2012.