The Santa Clara River is an important resource because it is the source of about half of Santa Clarita’s drinking water and also provides a habitat for many species of plants and animals rarely found anywhere else in Southern California.

Unfortunately, many times people pollute the Santa Clara River by allowing pollution to enter the city’s storm drains and don’t even realize they are doing it.

The storm drain system includes the holes in street curbs and parking lots and their only job is to move water quickly from our driveways, sidewalks and streets to the Santa Clara River to prevent flooding.

Unlike the sewer system, where the water is treated at a water reclamation plant, water that moves from the streets through the storm drain system goes directly to the Santa Clara River with no treatment.

There are many things you can do to help prevent polluted water, like picking up after your pets, putting all trash and debris in appropriate containers for disposal, maintaining your vehicles so they don’t leak any fluids, etc. Another important way to prevent polluted runoff from entering storm drains is to manage your outdoor water use during the summer.

Take a look at these tips and visit Green Santa Clarita to watch our three-part video series:

• Check your irrigation system for leaks and broken heads or drip lines. Adjust sprinkler heads to water vegetation only; minimize spray on walls, sidewalks or driveways.
• Cycle and soak – Water plants less frequently but thoroughly to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
• Use a thick layer of mulch on plant beds to keep the soil cool, minimize evaporation and prevent weed growth.
• Don’t apply pesticides, fertilizers and weed control chemicals before rain is predicted and turn off sprinklers for a few days after application.
• Plant native and drought-tolerant vegetation that requires less water and care.
• Install drip irrigation or bubblers, which are ideal for plants because they can directly soak the soil without washing away soil or mulch.
  Use a broom instead of a hose for cleaning sidewalks, patios and driveways.
• When washing cars, use a bucket for soapy water and hose nozzle that shuts water off when not in use. Or choose to wash your car at a commercial car wash that recycles wash water.