Recognize. To Prevent.

Share |
Print

The Ocean Begins at Your Front Door

Urban runoff, the excess water that carries pollutants into storm drains and then to the ocean, is an environmental problem for all communities. Residents who live miles inland can contribute to ocean pollution simply by leaving their sprinklers on too long. After this wasted water flows to the curb it carries trash, fertilizers, pet waste and other pollutants into the storm drain system which flows into San Diego Creek, eventually ending up in ecologically sensitive Upper Newport Bay and the ocean. IRWD works to prevent urban runoff by educating customers on the need to improve landscape irrigation efficiency.

The California Water Code grants IRWD the authority to provide urban runoff treatment services within the District. Through our forward-thinking Natural Treatment System program, IRWD works with local partners to protect our watershed by naturally removing some of the contaminants in our urban runoff before it reaches the ocean.

After urban runoff leaves your property, it quickly accumulates and enters the storm drain system on its way to the ocean.
After urban runof...
Sprinkler overspray also creates urban runoff.
Sprinkler overspr...
Broken spray heads cause urban runoff.
Broken spray head...
Bacteria from pet waste is carried into our watersheds and the ocean by urban runoff.
Bacteria from pet...
At a local beach these children play in runoff, oblivious to its potential health hazards.
At a local beach ...
This coastal storm drain discharges runoff year-round.
This coastal stor...
Urban runoff quickly reaches our local beaches where it carries pollution into the ocean in streams like this one.
Urban runoff quic...
© Irvine Ranch Water District | Contact Us | Media | Links | Privacy Policy | Home