Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Stormwater Pollution Prevention

In conjunction with project pollution prevention, the City of Irwindale would like to provide our residents, patrons, and business community with up-to-date information on preventing stormwater pollution.

Whether you are a property owner, business owner, or tenant, the ocean begins at your front door.

Please use our online reporting form to report Illicit Connections/Discharges into our Storm Drains. You may also contact the Public Works Department at (626) 430-2211 to report an Illicit Connections/Discharge.

Why Should We Participate in Pollution Prevention Activities?

 Pollutants are not being disposed of properly. These pollutants are entering our storm drains, flowing into our creeks, rivers, bays, and ultimately our ocean, and contaminating our water resources. It is the State of California and the City of Irwindale's goal to ensure our water resources are healthy and free from contaminates. To do so, clean oceans can only be a result of healthy creeks, rivers, bays, and beaches. Which means, creeks, rivers, bays, and beaches can only be healthy through pollution prevention activities.

Business Community

Starting a business is a lot of work. Don't forget to verify the laws and permits that are required for your specific business. As a reminder, food service facilities are required to obtain a clarifier/grease interceptor permit with Los Angeles County: Environmental Protection Division (Industrial Waste). These devices ensure that fats, oil, and grease (FOG) do not enter the sewer line but are collected and disposed of properly. The following links provide you with additional information on how residents, patrons, and the business community can prevent water pollution:

Water Quality Guidelines for Carpet Cleaning Activities (PDF)

Tips for Using Concrete and Mortar (PDF)

A Guide for Food Service Facilities (PDF)

Plastic Bag Notice (PDF)

Beverage Container Recycling Notice (PDF)

Conditionally Exempt Non-Storm Water Discharges

Ideally, only stormwater should enter our catch basins, storm drains, channels, washes, rivers, and oceans. However, there are some conditionally exempt non-stormwater discharges that are allowed to enter these water systems. The following is a list of conditionally exempt non-stormwater discharges:

  • Non-emergency firefighting activities;
  • Discharges from drinking water supplier distribution systems not regulated by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit;
  • Dewatering of lakes;
  • Landscape irrigation;
  • Dechlorinated/de-brominated swimming pool/spa discharges not regulated by a separate NPDES permit;
  • Dewatering of decorative fountains;
  • Non-commercial car washing by residents or by non-profit organizations; and
  • Street/sidewalk wash water.

Please view the Required Conditions for Conditionally Exempt Non-Storm Water Discharges (PDF) for more information on Required Conditions and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Conditionally Exempt Non-Storm Water Discharges.

Residential Community

In California, Water Conservation and Water Pollution Prevention is crucial to the health and safety of our families. Water quality affects us because we depend on water as a food source, to replenish key nutrients in our bodies, and keep energized. That's why it is important to implement the following practices regarding water conservation and water pollution prevention:

  • Avoid runoff, don't over water your lawn;
  • Water only on the days of the week that have been identified by your Water District;
  • Install high efficiency sprinkler nozzles;
  • Consider installing a weather based irrigation controller;
  • Plant drought tolerant landscaping, which will reduce water needs significantly;
  • Using synthetic turf/irrigation-less ground cover conversions can eliminate a yard's water needs entirely;
  • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean off your driveway;
  • Whenever using a hose on your property, make sure it is equipped with a shut-off nozzle;
  • Use biodegradable, phosphate free detergents and non-toxic cleaning products when washing your car;
  • If possible, wash cars on a permeable surface where wash water can percolate into the ground (e.g. gravel or grassy areas); and
  • Contact the City prior to draining your pool to ensure that you are discharging the water properly and not introducing chemicals and sediment into the storm drain system or discharging to an area that could affect our water supply.

Water Quality Guidelines for Car Wash Fundraisers (PDF)

For more information on stormwater pollution prevention, please contact Elizabeth Rodriguez at (626) 430-2211.