By: Roland Armstrong, Caltrans Public Information Officer
As Californians prepare for the possibility of a strong El Niño season, much of the attention will focus on heavy rain, flooding, and how to keep our families safe. But another important concern is: what happens to the litter and pollution that has been accumulating on our streets, highways, and neighborhoods? When the first significant storms arrive, rainwater washes those pollutants into storm drains, carrying them untreated directly into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. This process can affect the health of our communities, harm wildlife, and threaten the recreational beaches and rivers we all love. As a Caltrans Public Information Officer, I want Californians to understand that preparing for storm season involves more than checking the weather forecast or clearing gutters. It also means taking simple steps to keep pollutants off our highways and local streets, and out of waterways once the rain begins.
Protecting the health of our communities
For Black families across California, protecting the places where we live, work, and gather is an important part of protecting our collective health and quality of life. Polluted runoff can carry bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants into waterways used for recreation. Keeping our streets clean and preventing pollution at its source helps protect the rivers, beaches, parks, and neighborhoods that our communities depend on. The good news is that preventing stormwater pollution does not require a major investment or a complicated routine because small actions, repeated consistently, can make a meaningful difference.
Start with everyday habits that make a difference.
• One of the simplest places to begin is the inside of our vehicles. Whether we are commuting to work, driving children to school, or taking a weekend road trip, keeping a small bag to store trash is convenient and can save our roads and water from pollution.
• If a vehicle breaks down along the highway, make sure to not leave any breakdown waste behind. Any oil containers, broken parts or packaging should leave with you or your tow truck. Vehicle owners can also prevent pollution by addressing fluid leaks and getting regular car maintenance ahead of the rainy season.
• When at home, take a few minutes to look at the areas around your property and neighborhood before the rain arrives. Put litter in the appropriate waste bin, keep trash and recycling containers secured, and dispose of cigarette butts properly. Pet waste left on sidewalks or lawns can wash into storm drains and introduce bacteria into local waterways, so properly disposing of pet waste can help the community.
Preparation starts before the forecast turns severe.
As we head into a heavy storm-filled season caused by El Niño, I encourage Californians to make stormwater pollution prevention a part of their regular routines. Also consider organizing a neighborhood cleanup, bringing a trash bag on walks, talking with children about keeping litter off the ground and keeping your vehicles properly maintained.
At Caltrans, we encourage everyone to do their part to keep our roads, neighborhoods, and waterways clean. Sharing these healthy practices with friends, family, and neighbors can reduce pollutants that may carry into our waterways.
Visit CleanWaterCA.com for more tips and information about stormwater pollution and how to keep California’s water clean and healthier for all.
