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1. What is an illegal discharge?

Soap, detergents, cleaners, medicine / drugs, motor oil, gasoline ,and other petroleum products; paint, chlorinated water, pesticides, fertilizers, and similar products containing ingredients that may be harmful to aquatic organisms. Other objects such as paper cups, bottles, plastic bags, soda cans, soil, grass clippings animal wastes, and other similar materials are also considered illegal discharges.

2. How do these illegal discharges get to the creeks and ponds?

All water that drains off of streets, parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks ends up in creeks, rivers, and lakes. The water collects the harmful pollutants and carries them to creeks and lakes. You've probably seen openings alongside streets; these are called inlets. It is important to remember that all rain waters ultimately enter the creeks and lakes.

3. Can I use lawn fertilier?

You can fertilize lightly as recommended by the manufacturer and use phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer. Pollution occurs when landscaping water carries runoff to storm drainage system. Typical pollutants include herbicides, pesticide, fertilizers, and mulch.

4. How does pet waste harm the fish and the environment?

When pet waste is disposed of improperly, not only water quality suffers, but your health may be at risk as well. When pet waste is washed into lakes or streams the waste decays, using up oxygen and releasing ammonia that can kill fish. Various disease or parasites that can also be transmitted are:

Campylobacteriosis - Causes severe diarrhea in humans.

Cryptosporidium - It causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and dehydration.

Toxocariasis - Roundworms usually transmitted from dogs to human may cause vision loss, rash, fever, or cough

Toxoplasmosis - A parasite carried by cats can cause muscle aches, headache, and lymph node enlargement.

5. Is it okay to discharge chlorinated pool or spa water into my alley or street?

Chlorine, at low concentration, is typically not a problem. Please make sure the water has been dechlorinated (concentration of less than 0.1 parts per million (ppm) with a pH balance of 7 to 8) before discharging it into streets and alleys. The discharged water ultimately enters lakes and creeks and if chlorine concentration is high, it could kill the fish.