10 Ways to Save the Bay

To most people, summer brings visions of sunglasses and suntan lotion. However, it also brings visions of summertime projects like painting the house, building a deck and working in the garden. And, while intentions may be good, Alameda County residents may also be polluting local creeksand the San Francisco Bay.

By following a few simple suggestions, people can enjoy the summer months without polluting our waterways. The Alameda County Clean Water Program offers its ten do’s and don’ts to keep our waters clean:

Home Maintenance         
- Do: Clean latex paint from brushes and containers in the sink.         
- Don’t: Clean or rinse containers into the street, gutter or storm drain.         
- Do: Dispose of unusable paints, thinners, thinner residue and paint strippers through a household hazardous waste program.         
- Don’t: Dump excess materials down gutter or the storm drain.

Auto Maintenance         
- Do: Keep your car free from leaks.         
- Don’t: Dumpoil or any auto fluids onto the ground or into the gutter or storm drain.         
- Do: Take your car to a professional car wash to get cleaned, where they recycle the water.         
- Don’t: Wash your car in the driveway or street, where soapy water will flow to a storm drain.

Gardening         
- Do: Compost garden and yard debris.         
- Don’t: Over-water or use pesticides or fertilize when rain is forecasted.

To learn more about ways to prevent storm water pollution, visit our website at www.cleanwaterprogram.org, or visit the Alameda County Clean Water Program booth at the following events that we will be attending this coming season:

- May 5, 2012 - Cinco de Mayo Health Fair at Ashland Community Center

- May – October, 2012 - San Lorenzo Farmers Market

- June 23, 2012 - Healthy People, Healthy Parks Festival at Quarry Lakes in Fremont

- June 20 – July 8, 2012 - The Alameda County Fair