Stormwater

Preventing Stormwater Pollution

Storm drains are for rain...waterway pollution from nonpoint sources comes mainly from our own backyards. This pollution is caused by rainfall, snowmelt or irrigation moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinking water.

These pollutants include:

  • Oil, grease, toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production
  • Sediment from improperly managed construction sites
  • Bacteria from pet wastes

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nonpoint source pollution is the leading remaining cause of water quality problems.

How You Can Help

The City of Lynwood is implementing programs to reduce the amount of pollution entering our storm drain system, rivers, and oceans. We need your help. Here are some useful tips on how you can help:

Dog Waste

Don't leave animal waste laying on the ground. Dog waste washes from the ground and streets into the storm drain and flows straight to the ocean untreated.

Used Oil

Take your used oil to State-certified used oil collection centers. Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints and other household chemicals properly, not in storm sewers, or drains. Do not hose them into the street where they can eventually reach local rivers.

Household Hazardous Waste

Not properly disposing of household hazardous waste can lead to water pollution. Batteries, electronics, paint, oil, gardening chemicals, cleaners and other hazardous materials cannot be thrown in the trash. They also must never be poured or thrown into yards, sidewalks, driveways, gutters or streets. To know more of upcoming Los Angeles (LA) County Household Hazardous Waste/Electronic Waste Events where you can safely dispose of your household hazardous waste and electronic waste, visit the LA County Public Works Calendar page.

Home Improvement

Home improvement projects and work sites must be maintained to ensure that building materials do not enter the street, gutter or storm drain.

Gardening

Pesticides, fertilizer and yard waste such as leaves and mowed grass wash from the ground and streets into storm drains and flows straight to the ocean-untreated. Do not use fertilizer or pesticides before a rain. Do not over-fertilize and do not use fertilizers or pesticides near ditches, gutters or storm drains. Use pesticides sparingly. When watering your lawn, use the least amount of water possible so it doesn't run into the street carrying pesticide and other chemicals. Do not blow, sweep, hose or rake leaves, or other yard trimmings into the street, gutter, or storm drain.

Painting

Clean water-based paint brushes in the sink, rinse oil-based brushes with paint thinner, and take old paint and paint-related products to a household hazardous waste-E-waste collection event. Call 888-253-2652 (888-CLEAN-LA) or visit the Clean LA page.

Pesticide

Never dispose of lawn or garden chemicals in storm drains. This is called illegal dumping. Take them to a household hazardous waste roundup. Call 888-253-2652 (888-CLEAN-LA) or visit the Clean LA page.

Sewer

Keep your sewers clean and prevent overflows. As a property owner, you are responsible for keeping your sewer pipes clear of clogs or blockages.

Fats, Oils & Grease

Fats, oils and grease solidify the sewer pipes and create blockages. Do not pour waste oil and cooking residue directly into your drain. Instead, place it into a covered container and dispose of it in the trash.

Pool Care

Make sure all pool chemicals are dissipated before draining a pool or spa. Do not drain pools within 5 days of adding chemicals. Never backwash a filter into the street or storm drain.

Recycle

You can help keep your community clean, protect our area waterways and make the beaches safe for ocean swimmers by putting recyclable plastic, glass and metal where they belong in a recycling container.

For More Information

For more information on keeping your environment clean:

  • Call 888-253-2652 (888-CLEAN-LA)
  • Visit the Clean LA page
  • Call the Public Works Department at 310-603-0220, ext. 500