Everyone can help improve water quality at the beach no matter where they live, work or play. Runoff from anywhere in the County eventually ends up at the beach and with the runoff, all the bacteria, litter, oil or grease it picks up along the way. Many of the storm drains lead to the beach, not to a treatment plant! Some easy things we can do to help include:
- Properly dispose of animal wastes. Use a "doggie bag" when walking your dog and dispose in a trash can. Pick up after your cat.
- Use a broom rather than a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Control irrigation flows to minimize runoff.
- Properly dispose of household paints, chemicals and motor oil. Never pour chemicals on the ground or down storm drains.
- Don't feed wild animals or birds. Their droppings can significantly increase bacteria levels in the ocean or bays.
- Don't litter along highways and sidewalks. When visiting the beach, pick up all your trash and help out by picking up litter left carelessly by someone else.
- Wash your car on your lawn or take it to a car wash to avoid runoff.
Remember, the ocean is closer than you think - it begins at YOUR front door!