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Do you spend a lot of time at home? Did you know that staying home doing chores and housework can have an impact on water pollution?
When we use cleaning chemicals outside, rain can wash it down into the storm drain. You may not use a lot of chemicals by yourself, but 500,000 residents using petroleum-based cleaners, ammonia, and other chemicals can cause a problem when it starts to rain. Since storm drains flow directly into the ocean, those chemicals we use at home can end up polluting our ocean.
Even things we do inside our home, like cooking and using the bathroom can lead to storm water pollution.
Here are some household tips to prevent storm water pollution:
- Never dump used cooking oil or grease down your kitchen drain. It can clog our sewer lines, causing breaks, which then cause sewage to flow into the ocean.
- Be sure to regularly check your septic tank if you have one. Septic systems can release harmful bacteria and viruses into the soil. When it rains, the water can pick it up and send it straight into the ocean.
- Properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil and other auto fluids. Don't pour them on the ground, into roadway gutters, or into storm drains.
- Don’t store paint outside of the house. The cans can easily rust and leak. Instead, avoid the urge to stock-up on excess paint. It will save you money and help prevent water pollution.
- Don’t use water to clean your garage and driveway. When you use cleaners to get the oil and gunk off your driveway, garage, or carport floor, wipe it up. If you hose it down your driveway, you’re sending the cleaner chemical and oils straight into the storm drain where it goes right to the ocean.
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