ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN

The mission of the Lemon Grove Stormwater Division is to effectively and efficiently implement elements of the San Diego Region NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Permit.

The Problem: What is Stormwater Pollution?  Stormwater pollution is urban runoff water that has picked up pollutants as it flows through the storm drain system, a network of channels, gutters and pipes that collect runoff from city streets, neighborhoods, farms, construction sites and parking lots, and empties directly into local waterways. 

Unlike sewage, which goes to treatment plants, urban runoff flows untreated through the storm drain system.  Anything thrown, swept or poured into the street, gutter or a catch basin (the curbside openings that lead into the storm drain system) flows directly into our channels, creeks, bays and ocean.  This includes pollutants like trash, pet waste, cigarette butts, motor oil, anti-freeze, runoff from pesticides and fertilizers, paint from brushes and containers rinsed in the gutter and toxic household chemicals. 

In recent years, sources of water pollution like industrial waters from factories have been greatly reduced. Unfortunately, the majority of water pollution now occurs from things like cars leaking oil, fertilizers from lawns and gardens, failing septic tanks, pet waste and residential car washing flowing into the storm drains and ultimately into the ocean and waterways. 

All of these sources add up to a pollution problem.  But each of us can do our part to help clean up our water and that adds up to a pollution solution! 

The Answer: Preventing Stormwater Pollution.  Everyone in Lemon Grove can help prevent stormwater pollution since it is often caused by everyday behavior that you may not realize contributes to the problem.  Simple behavior changes are all it takes to prevent stormwater pollution, if we all do our part. Find out how. 

Check out the suggestions below...

• Avoid over-watering, which washes fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens into the gutter and storm drains.
• Sweep up yard waste and debris and dump it into a green waste can instead of using a hose to wash off sidewalks, parking areas and garages.
• When washing your car at home, use soap sparingly and pour your bucket of soapy water down the sink when you're done, not in the street.
• Be sure to clean up after your pets.
• Use non-toxic products for household cleaning. 

What We Do Every Day

The Stormwater Division develops plans; implements work programs, manages studies, provides support to resident committees, leads and participates on multi-agency teams, and creates informational materials on water issues in the county.

The JURMP for the City of Lemon Grove is available in the Document Center (a total of 16 files).  Click on "Documents", located in the upper right corner of this page, just below the red trolley.  Once in the Document Center, click on the "+" next to Departments, then click on the "+" next to Public Works, then click on Stormwater.