What You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Pollution

When you wash your car...
Use minimal amounts of biodegradable phosphate-free soap.
Wash your car on a grass or gravel area.
Put a spray nozzle on your hose to conserve water.
Empty any remaining soapy water into a toilet or sink.

When you paint your house...
Choose water based paints over more toxic oil based paints.
Use up all the paint before disposing of the can.
Let any residual paint air dry in the can then throw it in the garbage.
Rinse your latex paint brushes in the sink.

When you care for your lawn and garden……
Always apply fertilizers and pesticides per the manufacturers directions.
To reduce the concentrations of pollutants in stormwater runoff,
avoid applying lawn and garden chemicals prior to rain events. 

When you water your lawn...
Apply lawn fertilizers and pesticides sparingly to reduce run off.
Use non-toxic pest controls such as insecticidal soaps or ladybugs for aphids.
Use grass clippings as compost for your lawn.

When you drain your pool...
To obtain approval to discharge your pool water,
call the City’s Stormwater Program at (209) 599-2108.
A city inspector will test for chlorine and other contaminants.

When you clean your driveway...
Use absorbent like kitty litter or sand to soak up oil and antifreeze spills.
Sweep up the mixture. Bag it and throw it in the garbage.
Never hose pollutants down your driveway.

When you care for your pet...
Pick up pet waste.
Bag it and throw it in the garbage.
Bacteria in pet waste can hurt the fish in our creeks.

What’s Happening at Your House . . .

Stormwater pollution comes from many sources. Rain or over-watering can carry pollutants like waste oil, pesticides, paint, and pet waste down the gutter and into a storm drain. Unlike sinks and toilets, storm drains flow directly to creeks and streams. Pollutants are carried into our waterways without treatment. This contaminates the water we drink and play in, and can also harm wildlife.

The City of Ripon’s Stormwater Management Program is committed to protecting our rivers by involving and educating our residents in stormwater pollution prevention.

To report unauthorized discharges, call (209) 599-2108.