You are the Solution to
Storm Water Pollution

Even though you may live or work miles from the ocean, you may be contributing to the pollution of the ocean’s water. Anything that enters the storm drains ends up in our creeks and eventually flows untreated into the ocean. Although you may think the impact of one household or business is insignificant, the pollution of combined waste of an entire neighborhood or city is monumental.

Minor or major construction projects

When doing minor or major construction projects around your home or business, make sure to contain and dispose of your construction waste properly. Concrete work can be especially troublesome. Equipment used in concrete work or excess concrete/slurry cannot be washed down the gutter. Failure to properly dispose of concrete slurry could result in fines for the contractor and /or property owner.

Fall is coming and the
leaves will be dropping

Leaves and other yard clippings can clog the storm drains and be harmful to aquatic life and creek habitat. Rake up leaves and place them in your green waste container or in a compost pile. Never rake or sweep yard debris into the gutters or storm drains. If you have landscapers, remind them that yard clippings should be properly disposed of.

Rain Gutters

If you clean out your rain gutters before the rainy season, be sure to collect or sweep up any debris from the gutters that would otherwise be washed into the street and to the storm drains and dispose of it properly.

Call 781-7425 if you see:

• Illegal dumping
• Pollution in a creek
• A slogged storm drain
• A pollutant spill near a gutter, storm drain or creek
• Disposal of wastewater into a gutter or storm drain

Protecting Water Sources

A source of water contamination that often goes overlooked by people is animal waste, including that coming from dogs or cats. The waste can pose serious hazards to sensitive groundwater supplies, when harmful pathogens are transmitted from the animal, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

To decrease human exposure to pet waste and its pathogens, always properly dispose of it, whether around the home or in the community at large. One way to properly dispose of your pet’s waste is to flush it down the toilet. Another method is to place it in a plastic bag, tied tightly, then place it in your garbage. Never place pet waste in a compost pile. To ensure that waste does not end up in our waterways, do not walk pets near streams, ponds, or lakes.

By following these few basic rules of pet etiquette, the risk of being exposed to Salmonella or a host of other illness-causing pathogens will be greatly reduced.

E malama I ka wai
Cherish the water

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