Where Storm Drains Go
The storm drain on your curbside does more than guzzle gutter water. It leads directly to our natural water system, including local creeks, ponds and streams.

Unlike household drains that route to a treatment plant, storm drains travel underground and funnel into our waterways untreated. When that water is tainted by pollutants it creates stormwater pollution which seriously impacts our natural water resources.

What Pollutes Stormwater?
Stormwater pollution has many sources. Water from washing cars and over-watering lawns enters our storm drain system carrying detergents, pesticides, fertilizers and pet waste. Rainwater innocently washes sediment, grease, dirt, motor oil and antifreeze from sidewalks, streets, driveways and parking lots. Storm-water pollution is also caused by illegal dumping, such as pouring paint or oil into storm drains.

Did You Know? Just one quart of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of water. This is enough water to cover almost 6 acres with 1 foot of water.

Thanks to the efforts of volunteers many citywide drain inlets are stenciled or stamped with “No Dumping, Flows to Waterways”.

Ways you can help prevent stormwater pollution:

	Never pour anything down a storm drain that you wouldn’t want to swim in!
	Bring leftover toxic materials such as paint, cleaners, used motor oil, and pesticides to an authorized drop-off. For more information on where these materials can be disposed of, contact Western Placer Waste Management Authority at 916.645.5180.
	Never hose down spills into a storm drain. Use kitty litter or other absorbent material to clean toxic spills from pavement.
	Make it a practice to purchase non-toxic or less-toxic products for home and garden use.
	Use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers sparingly to reduce run-off, and don’t apply them if it’s windy or if rain is forecasted.
	Keep your vehicle and equipment well tuned to avoid leaks.
	Keep yard clippings, detergent, trash and animal waste out of the gutter, storm drains and wetland areas. Rake or sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing them down. Using a hose forces debris and chemical residues into storm drains, which clog gutters, cause street flooding and pollute waterways.
	Contact Rocklin Public Works for information on how you can volunteer to stencil storm drain inlets.
	Contact the Dry Creek Conservancy at 916.773.6575 to participate in Rocklin’s annual Creek Week event.

Residential gardening tips from the California Water Board:

• Erase the Waste: Gardening Tips In English | En Espanol

Report Illegal Dumping
Our inspectors and maintenance crews are on the look-out for possible illegal dumping into the city storm drain system. Click here to report an incident of illegal dumping into a storm drain or call the Department of Public Works at 916.625.5500.