The City of Glendale is considered a Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). This means that the storm drain system is separate from the sanitary sewer system. Storm water that does not soak into the ground or evaporate gets discharged into Skunk Creek, New River or the Agua Fria River. Unlike water and wastes conveyed in the sanitary sewers, storm water is untreated before being discharged.
What can you do?
Never dump anything down the storm drains. Pesticides, pet wastes, leaking oil from a vehicle could all end up in our washes and ditches if proper care is not taken. Here are some helpful tips for minimizing your impact to the storm water discharge.
Vehicle Care
Make sure you take proper care of your vehicle. Oil, antifreeze and other lubricants that leak onto the asphalt and concrete will be picked up in the next rain and washed into the city’s storm drain system. Clean up any spills with dry absorbent and properly dispose of the wastes. Don’t wash spilled material into the storm drain
Wash your car on your lawn or use a commercial car wash. Washing your car in the driveway increases water runoff into the storm drains and carries the oil, grease and road grime that collect on your vehicle.
Pool Draining
City code prohibits the discharge of pool water into the storm drain.
For responsible ways of draining your pool, see the city’s pool draining fact sheet.
Pick up pet waste, place it in a securely tied bag, and dispose of it in the garbage. Leaving pet waste on the ground can lead to public health issues when stormwater carries harmful bacteria into the ditches and river beds.
Landscaping
Be water wise when you landscape. Planting low-water use trees and shrubs helps conserve water and minimizes over-watering that leads to runoff into the storm drains.
Sweep up yard wastes instead of hosing them down into the storm drains. See the water conservation Web page for additional information on landscaping techniques in a desert environment. (Click hereto go to Water Conservation now.) If your home has rain gutters, direct the rain gutter downspouts into your yard and away from impervious surfaces.
Pesticides
Apply pesticides and fertilizers as directed. Pesticides should be applied sparingly and not be applied either immediately before or immediately after a rain event.
Home Repair and Improvements
Before beginning your project, locate the nearest storm drain and
protect them from debris and other materials.
Clean paint brushes in the sink and not outdoors. Properly dispose of
Paint and thinner wastes. The City of Glendale operates a household
Hazardous waste pickup program twice a year through the Sanitation
Department.
Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled and recyclable
products whenever possible
Stormwater
Pollution
Prevention
Begins with
YOU!
For a brochure with more information on what you can do to prevent stormwater pollution click here (pdf)
