Storm Drain Markers

Stormwater runoff is the result of rain that cannot be absorbed into the soil or used by plants and trees. In urban areas, rain or snow that falls on impervious surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, and streets is not absorbed into the ground and only about 65 percent of stormwater is absorbed into the soil during rain events. The remaining water becomes runoff.

Stormwater pollution is a result of the runoff carrying pollutants such as lawn chemicals, automotive waste, pet waste, litter and soil erosion directly into creeks and streams. This pollution can cause poor water quality, destroy fish, wildlife and aquatic habitats, lessen aesthetic values, and threaten public health. Residents are encouraged to decrease the amount of runoff leaving their yard before it reaches our creeks and streams, which is then carried into untreated storm drains.
Storm drain markers
Storm drains in the City of Pleasant Hill are not connected to treatment systems. Whatever enters the drain is discharged directly, untreated, into local waterways. To help spread this message, the City of Pleasant Hill secured grant funding through Metro Waste Authority and installed blue and green markers that state “No Dumping – Drains to Stream.”

Below are helpful ways to reduce pollution:
  • Properly dispose of hazardous waste and recycle used motor oil
  • Use fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides sparingly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Keep yard waste, trash and dirt off the street and out of gutters.
  • Clean up after your pets.
  • Wash your car at a car wash facility or park your car in the grass before you wash it.
  • Spread the word about protecting our waterways from polluted runoff.