Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Stormwater Pollution

La Verne's storm drain system was designed to prevent flooding by transporting excess rainwater from city streets. Since the storm drain system contains no filter, untreated stormwater is released into various water bodies. Stormwater pollution occurs when untreated contaminated water (urban runoff) drains from city streets into the rivers and oceans.

Did you know that the largest source of stormwater pollution is residents? Through the conduct of daily activities, the general public releases various pollutants into the storm drain. Urban runoff is the largest source of unregulated pollution to the waterways and coastal areas of the United States.

Common Pollutants

The most common pollutants released into storm drains are:

  • Fuel and motor oil leaking from cars
  • Household cleaning products
  • Improperly disposed paint and paint thinners
  • Paper, cups, and other litter
  • Yard waste and fertilizers
  • Animal waste left from household pets

These pollutants are transported into the City's storm drain system by various sources such as rain, hoses and sprinklers, which drain from streets, parking lots, and lawns to enter various catch basins, that leads to rivers and oceans. Stormwater pollution destroys the natural beauty of our beaches and waterways in addition to harming both marine wildlife and plant life. It can also lead to unsafe swimming conditions in our beaches and lakes.

Tips to Prevent Stormwater Pollution

To prevent stormwater pollution follow these simple tips:

  • Never pour household hazardous waste materials down the drain, onto sidewalks or into catch basins. Take these materials to a hazardous waste materials collection center or round-up event. For the next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up, visit the Los Angeles County Public Works website.
  • Use pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers according to the label instructions. Remember not to apply them before rain and avoid overwatering your plants or lawn.
  • When walking your pets, remember to pick up your animal's waste and dispose of it in a trashcan.
  • Never put motor oil in the trash or pour it on the ground or down a storm drain. For more information on used motor oil or filter, recycling click on the following link Used Oil & Filter Recycling.
  • If you're using latex-water-based paints, you can wash your paintbrushes directly in your kitchen or bathroom sink. Don't rinse your brushes into the street. If you use oil-based paints, clean them by rinsing brushes with solvent in a container. Take the unused liquid and residue to an HHW collection event. For the next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up, visit the Los Angeles County Public Works website.

Call the City of La Verne Public Works Department at 909-596-8741 or Los Angeles County Department of Public Works at 888-CLEAN LA (888-253-2652) for more information on stormwater pollution prevention or to report illegal dumping.

Annual Stormwater Reports

The City tracks the implementation of stormwater compliance measures through the Annual Report process. Data is collected by the city throughout the year and reported to the Los Angeles Regional Quality Control Board each December. Annual Reports are available for review at the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board office in downtown LA or online on the California Water Boards website. A copy of the Annual Report may also be available for viewing upon request at La Verne City Hall.

School Presentations

If you would like a presentation for Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please visit the Los Angeles County Public Works website for more information on a free assembly to teach your students all about protecting the environment.

For presentations to 6th through 12th Grade students, please contact the City of La Verne at 909-596-8741.