Use Green, Non-Chemical Solutions

Instead of using chemical products for landscaping activities, try amending soils with compost, weeding by hand, and replacing plants with native cultivars and climate-appropriate plants. These practices can help prevent excess fertilizers from reaching the storm drainsystem and entering bodies of water.

Use Pesticides, Fertilizers Only As Needed

• Using herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers sparingly can save you money and help
  lower the chances of rain washing these chemical products into the storm drain.
• If feasible, targeted spot treatment is preferable to broadcasting or using a spray
  truck. Avoid over-spraying and off-target applications.
• Mix and use only what you need.
• Select a pesticide specifically for the pest to be controlled.
• Whenever possible, implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. IPM
  programs use a range of tools, including biological and agricultural controls, to
  manage pests, promote healthy plants, and reduce risks to human health and the
  environment.
• Use all lawn and garden products according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid applying insecticides, herbicides or fertilizers before an expected rain
  event, or during high winds.

Store, Clean Up & Dispose of Chemicals Properly

• Properly handle and store chemical products in accordance with their Safety Data
  Sheets (SDS) and ensure storage areas are designed to contain spills.
• Never dump chemicals down storm drains, sinks, sewers, gutters, or onto soil.
• Have spill cleanup materials readily available and use dry methods to clean up
  spills. Keep a spill kit nearby containing personal protective equipment and
  absorbent materials (sand, kitty litter or sawdust). Cover spills with absorbent
  materials and put contaminated material into a sealed plastic bag or bucket with a
  lid. If applicable, dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Minimize Runoff

• Locate and position irrigation heads to minimize runoff. Ensure sprinklers are not
  directed to hardscape/concrete.
• Use an evapotranspiration-based irrigation schedule and rain sensors.
• Avoid over-watering.
• Regularly inspect irrigation system for leaks.
• Use a border or berm at pavement edges to reduce overspray and runoff.

Convert to a Smart-Controller Irrigation system

Smart controllers for irrigation systems adjust irrigation actions based on weather conditions. This allows you to get the most out of each rainfall event and ensures that you are not generating excess runoff.

Reduce Impervious Surface Areas

Impervious surfaces such as concrete driveways, parking lots and roads inhibit stormwater from infiltrating into the ground. Instead, rain that falls onto these surfaces flow into gutters that lead to the nearest storm drain.To prevent stormwater runoff from your property, replace paved surfaces with a porous
alternative or install a vegetated buffer to capture and filter pollutants. You can also use a rain barrel or cistern to capture and prevent stormwater from flowing onto an impervious surface.

Clean Up & Dispose of Green Waste Properly

Landscaping waste should be collected and thrown into the trash to prevent dispersal by wind, rain or irrigation water runoff. Never blow or wash green waste into the street or storm drain inlets, or use a hose to rinse away dirt and yard debris from paved surfaces. Using mulch, wood chips and other cover material can help soil retain its moisture and prevent erosion. Mulch increases the soil’s water-holding capacity, which means you need less irrigation, and regulates soil temperature for a healthy plant root zone. Keep material stockpiles covered, away from storm drain inlets and out of the street.

Equipment Fueling and Maintenance

• Handle gasoline, diesel, oil and grease cautiously. Use a funnel and/or
  spout to
  prevent spilling when fueling equipment.
• Keep landscape maintenance equipment and machinery tuned and in good running
  condition to eliminate leaks and increase fuel efficiency.