Watershed

When it rains, anything left outdoors can wash into the system and flow downstream. Even in dry weather, trash, debris, wash water, and irrigation runoff can enter the drains and carry pollutants to our waterways.

Bacteria

Common sources: Sewage leaks, trash, food waste, animal waste

Downstream effects: Makes people and animals sick

Solutions

• Cover and contain wastes
• Maintain septic and sewer systems
• Pick up after pets and livestock

Dirt (sediment)

Common sources: Construction, digging, erosion

Downstream effects: Clogs drains causing flooding or stagnant ponds; clouds waterways leading to aquatic organism death; buries aquatic habitat

Solutions

• Use construction site BMPs
• Stabilize slopes, landscaping, and unpaved areas with vegetation or physical barriers

Leaves and grass

Common sources: Landscape and vegetation waste

Downstream effects: Decomposes in water, reducing oxygen and harming aquatic life

Solutions

• Collect grass clippings and leaves; do not blow into the street
• Clean storm drain inlets, gutters, and storage areas regularly
• Sweep paved areas around trees

Nutrients

Common sources: Fertilizers and animal waste

Downstream effects: Stimulates algae growth; decomposition reduces oxygen and harms aquatic life

Solutions

• Follow fertilizer application guidelines
• Cover and contain wastes
• Maintain septic and sewer systems
• Pick up after pets and livestock

Heavy metals

Common sources: Vehicle engine, brake, and tire wear; exposed metal materials

Downstream effects: Toxic to aquatic life; harmful to people

Solutions

• Cover and contain metal items such as used automotive parts, tires, and rusty or galvanized material
• Regularly sweep paved areas such as parking lots and driveways

Oil and grease

Common sources: Vehicle leaks; stored waste cooking oil

Downstream effects: Coats fish gills and kills aquatic life

Solutions

• Maintain vehicles and equipment to prevent leaks
• Clean up oil spots from the ground
• Store oily and greasy items under cover

Chemicals

Common sources: Paints, automotive fluids, cleaners; leaks, spills, illegal dumping

Downstream effects: Toxic to aquatic life; harmful to people

Solutions

• Dispose of household chemicals at designated collection centers
• Maintain vehicles and equipment to prevent leaks
• Clean up spills and leaks promptly

Soaps

Common sources: Outdoor washing of cars, boats, and other items

Downstream effects: Coats fish gills and kills aquatic life

Solutions

• Wash vehicles at commercial wash facilities or where wash water flows into landscaping
• Wash other items indoors and dispose of mop or wash water in sinks connected to the sewer

Trash

Common sources: Littering, illegal dumping, open trash cans or dumpsters

Downstream effects: Causes all other impacts listed above; can be ingested by wildlife, leading to illness or death

Solutions

• Store trash in containers with secure lids
• Pick up outdoor areas regularly

Install smart irrigation controllers

Smart Irrigation Controllers have internal clocks and sensors that will turn off the sprinklers in response to environmental changes. If it is raining, too windy, or too cold, the smart irrigation control sprinklers will automatically shut off.

Aim your sprinklers at your landscape areas, avoiding sidewalks or pavement

By merely adjusting the direction of your sprinklers, you can save water, prevent water pollution from runoff, keep your landscapes healthy and save money

Adjust timer for your sprinklers

Landscape areas absorb the water they need to stay healthy within a few minutes of turning on the sprinklers. Time your sprinklers, when water begins running off your landscape areas, you can turn them off. Your timer can be set to water your site for this duration every time and prevent excess runoff.

Use low flow irrigation

Switching to low flow irrigation (drip) can help control flows and direction of irrigation runoff. It also uses less water. 

Switch to low-water-use landscaping

“California Friendly” plants or native vegetation can significantly reduce water use. These plants often require far fewer fertilizers and pesticides. Replacing “thirsty” plants and grasses with water-efficient native plants is a great way to save water and reduce the need for potentially harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

Weeds are water thieves. They often reproduce quickly and rob your yard of both water and nutrients. Weed your yard by hand if possible. If you use herbicides to control weeds, use only the amount recommended on the label and never use it if rain is forecasted within the next 48 hours.

Soil amendments

Soil amendments such as green waste (e.g., grass clippings, compost, etc.) can be a significant source of nutrients and help retain soil moisture. However, green waste can cause algae blooms and oxygen depletion if allowed to decompose in our waterways. It is crucial to apply soil amendments more than 48 hours before predicted rainfall and till amendments into the topsoil.

• Routinely sweep sidewalks and pavement. Do not wash surfaces with water unless it is collected for disposal or directed to landscaped areas.
• Keep sites clean by regularly removing trash, dirt, leaves, and debris.
• Regularly inspect site storm drain systems and identify sources of pollution.
• Cover outdoor materials with a roof (permanent) or tarp (temporary) and elevate materials.
• Store all hazardous materials in designated areas with cover and secondary containment.
• Keep trash enclosures, dumpsters, grease bins clean.
• Dumpsters and grease bin lids must be kept closed.

There are numerous simple ways to reduce the amount of water we use at home, both inside and out. Save Our Water provides multiple tips as well as other news and information regarding water conservation.

Another great resource that provides conservation tips, device rebates, and other water-efficiency ideas for both residential and business properties is the San Diego County Water Authority Water Smart Program. 

The City of San Marcos, via the Vallecitos Water District, Vista Irrigation District, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District and Olivenhain Municipal Water District, participates in several FREE incentive programs to help residents conserve water resources. These programs include:

• WaterSmart Checkup Program: The WaterSmart Checkup Program is a free service that provides sites with the opportunity to receive site-specific water-saving recommendations. Participants will benefit from certified irrigation professionals’ perspectives and have the chance to decide if and when to implement the provided suggestions. This program is made possible by the San Diego County Water Authority, its participating member agencies, and a California Department of Water Resources grant. Participation is limited.
• SoCal WaterSmart Program ( Residential | Commercial ): The SoCal WaterSmart Program is a rebate program that effectively achieves water conservation savings. There are a limited number of rebates available and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. This program is made possible by the Metropolitan Water District.