Stormwater: Only rainwater allowed in the streets & storm drains

Residents play an important role in preventing debris and sediment from blocking or filling the catch basins and flood control channels near homes. All sources of pollution, including soil and sediment, are prohibited from leaving your property and entering streets or storm drains. Remove trash, sediment, and debris from your private storm drain system on a regular basis, including removal of debris from gutters, ditches, inlets, or pipes, to ensure water can flow through the system freely.

You can help keep our storm drains and waterways clear by:

• Planting trees, shrubs, or ground cover on slopes to help keep topsoil in place.
• Stabilizing any bare soil or unvegetated areas with mulch or gravel.
• Using temporary solutions such as sandbags or other soil stabilizers until a permanent alternative solution is implemented.
• Using drought-tolerant or native plants to reduce water use and potential for over-irrigation.
• Covering stockpiles of soil, dirt, and gravel.

If you observe something being dumped into the storm drain or street, or observe water running in the street when it is not raining, please report this to the Water Quality Hotline: 760-643-2804, email waterquality@vista.gov, or use the Report a Problem form.