Whether you have a stream running through your backyard, business, local school or park, protecting it is a good idea. To find out more about the Adopt-A-Block or Adopt-A-Stream Programs, click here.
What is the storm drain system?
The storm drain system is a vast network of curb inlets, underground pipes, open channels, and outfalls that were designed to prevent flooding. Storm drains were designed to be the fastest and most efficient way of getting rainwater off streets and parking lots. Catch Basins collect the rainwater and Urban runoff from the street and serve as the neighborhood entry point for the journey into the ocean. Water in the storm drain system receives no treatment or filtering process and is completely separate from the City’s sewer system. To learn more and see where catch basins are in your area, click here.
What's the Problem?
Unfortunately, the water that flows into storm drain carries trash and sediment from the street, fertilizers, and toxins in the form of pesticides, household cleaners, gasoline and motoroil. All of the water in thestorm drains ends up in the ocean. To learn more about the problem, click here. To find out how you can help, click the appropriate link on the right in the “How Can I Help?” section.
