In Newark and all of the East Bay, storm drains are not connected to a sewer that leads to a wastewater treatment plant, but instead flow directly to creeks, wetlands and the Bay. That means pollution washed off our roofs, streets, driveways and gardens end up in our beautiful waterscapes hurting the plants, birds, fish and insects that live there. Let’s protect the natural environment we all love so much and ensure only rain goes down the storm drain.

In the garden: Replacing pesticides with less-toxic alternatives reduce or even eliminate pollution from gardening chemicals, but also make your yard safer for pets and kids. Visit  Our Water Our World for resources.

On your property: Keeping rainwater onsite with a rainwater catchments system or rain garden prevents flooding, recharges your soil and can offset your summer irrigation bill.

Car care: Take your car to a commercial car wash instead of washing it in the driveway to keep soapy, grimy water out of the storm drain. Check for leaks regularly. Getting them fixed early prevents pollution and more car trouble down the road.

Visit the Clean Water Program to learn more! City of Newark is a member agency of the Clean Water Program.

Municipalities throughout Alameda County are installing green infrastructure to remove pollutants from stormwater before it is discharged to local creeks and the San Francisco Bay. This map illustrates where these green infrastructure facilities are located.