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If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you could be contributing to the pollution of Maricopa County's washes and rivers. Whatever loose material or substances that are deposited on streets, parking lots, driveways and other hard surfaces will be picked up by the stormwater runoff that finds its way into storm drains. Remember, all storm drains and flood control facilities such as channels ultimately lead to a river. Unlike wastewater treatment plants, storm drains do not treat the water before it is discharged into rivers and waterways.
Do you...
- Use extra amounts of fertilizer and pesticides to ensure they'll work — and then over-water your lawn causing runoff into street gutters?
- Hose down the driveway to clean oil spills and grease?
- Wash your vehicle and throw the soapy/dirty water into the street or gutter?
- Dump dirty water in the street after cleaning your carpets, floors or upholstery?
- Wash your paint brushes in the street gutter?
- Allow your pool or spa to drain into the street?
- Toss leftover paints, pesticides and cleaners in the trash?
- Toss cigarette butts out onto the street?
- Leave fishing lines and hooks behind when they break?
- Drop litter where it will be swept into the street?
- Let leaves or garden clippings accumulate in street gutters or driveways?
- Fix your vehicle on the street, and let oil and other fluids flow into the gutter or street drain?
- Not pick up after your dog?
Commercial activities that can cause stormwater pollution include:
- Restaurants not regularly cleaning out grease traps
- Industries such as motor vehicle repair and printing allowing oil and chemicals to flow into street drains
- Construction companies not shielding street drains from chemicals or excess soil, sand, gravel and other building waste
- Workplaces allowing cigarette butts or litter to fall into gutters or on driveways, and releasing chemicals, detergents or other harmful fluids into street drains
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