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 When it rains in Long Beach, water runs down the street into inlets known as storm drains. This drain system is different from our sewer system. Storm drains lead straight to our ocean with no chemical or litter filtration. Everything that washes into a storm drain goes straight to the ocean.
A significant amount of pollution in our local waters and beaches comes from the storm drain system. Litter and other pollutants from our streets, neighborhoods, businesses, parking lots, construction sites, etc. are washed down the storm drain by rain, hosing or illegal dumping and end up in our ocean. Storm drains are for rain water only.
As Long Beach residents, we can protect fish, local wildlife, wetland habitats and recreational areas like beaches from the damaging effects of stormwater pollution by keeping litter off our streets and reporting illegal dumping. Do your part to preserve a healthy environment for our children, ourselves and the future.
- Do not blow, hose or sweep leaves or other debris into the street or gutter
- Use pesticides and fertilizers wisely. Do not overwater your garden as contaminated water can flow into the street and down a storm drain
- When walking your dog, clean up after it every single time
- Never rinse paint containers or paint brushes into the street or gutter
- Never dump hazardous waste or auto fluids like motor oil into the street, gutter or storm drain
- Properly neutralize pool water before draining
To report illegal dumping and discharges into the storm drain system, use the Illegal Disposal Reporting form on the right for online reporting, or call the City's Recycling Hotline 570-2876 for immediate assistance. To report dumping in progress, call 911.
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