Test Your Stormwater IQ
How much do you know about runoff pollution and prevention? Take this quiz and test your skills.
1: In Orange County the storm drain system and the sewer system are part of the same underground system.
True
False
The storm drain system is separate from the sewer system. Stormwater runoff flows untreated, directly to channels, creeks, bays, and ultimately the ocean and beaches.
2: The water and other substances that flow through the storm drain system are tested and filtered to remove wastes before they are discharged to the ocean.
True
False
The storm drain system releases untreated water into channels, creeks, bays, and ultimately the ocean and beaches.
3: With few exceptions, it is illegal for anyone to dispose of, or allow anything other than rainwater to enter the storm drains.
True
False
Most discharges to a municipal storm drain that are not composed entirely of stormwater are illegal.
4: Stormwater pollution can be caused by
Incorrect – Local Businesses can contribute to water pollution, but it is not the only source.
Incorrect – People like you and me can contribute to water pollution, but it is not the only source.
Incorrect – Pets can contribute to water pollution, but it is not the only source.
Correct – Anything we use in our homes, cars, and businesses like motor oil, paint, pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaners can wind up in the street. A little water from rain or a garden hose can carry automotive and household materials through the storm drain, polluting the bay, wetlands and the ocean.
5: To dispose of toxic or poisonous products and their containers, you should:
Incorrect – Flushing toxics or poisonous products down the toilet or sanitary sewer is not only damaging to the sewer system but illegal. For more information on proper disposal, contact the O.C. Household Hazardous Waste Center Information Hotline at (714) 834-6752 or OC Waste and Recycling.
Correct – For more information, contact the O.C. Household Hazardous Waste Center Information Hotline at (714) 834-6752 or http://www.oclandfills.com/hazardous/.
Incorrect – Disposing of toxic or poisonous products into the storm drain is illegal and harmful to the aquatic environment. For more information on proper disposal, contact the O.C. Household Hazardous Waste Center Information Hotline at (714) 834-6752 or http://www.oclandfills.com/hazardous/.
6: Putting used motor oil in the trash or pouring it down the storm drain
Incorrect – Did you know that one pint of motor oil can produce an oil slick of approximately one acre? Used motor oil can be recycled and should NEVER be put in the trash or poured down the storm drain. It is very harmful to our environment.
Incorrect – Did you know that one pint of motor oil can produce an oil slick of approximately one acre? Used motor oil can be recycled and should NEVER be put in the trash or poured down the storm drain. It is very harmful to our environment.
Correct – Used motor oil should be recycled. For additional information about the nearest oil recycling centers contact the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) at 1-800-553-2962 or www.ciwmb.ca.gov/usedoil.
7: When you wash your car at home you should:
Incorrect – Since the rinse or wash water contains residues from exhaust fumes, gasoline, and motor oils, you should use less toxic alternatives and biodegradable soaps. Additional cleaners should be applied and then wiped off with a rag or towel, not rinsed off.
Correct – This allows the wash water to filter through vegetation and/or soil instead of flowing directly into a storm drain.
Incorrect – You should only degrease or clean your engine at authorized facilities equipped to properly process the contaminated wash water.
8: When you use pesticides or fertilizers in your home and garden you should:
Correct – Pesticides and fertilizers are chemicals that not only kill garden invaders, they can also harm useful insects, poison fish, and contaminate ground water and the ocean.
Incorrect – You should take them to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site for proper disposal. For more information contact the O.C. Household Hazardous Waste Center Information Hotline at (714) 834-6752 or OC Waste and Recycling.
Incorrect – You should always try to conserve water by not overwatering, which allows pesticide and fertilizer runoff to be washed into storm drains and waterways. You should also not apply pesticides if it is windy or within 48 hours of a rainstorm.
9: When performing home repairs or remodeling work you should:
Incorrect – Vehicles and tools should be cleaned in an appropriate area and not in the gutter. Dirt can be rinsed off in a vegetated area and cement can be rinsed off, allowed to dry, and disposed of with your household trash.
Correct – Properly stored materials are protected from rainfall, runoff, and wind, which helps keep them out of gutters and storm drains.
Incorrect – Latex paint can be cleaned in a kitchen sink and oil-based paint needs to be cleaned and disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site. For more information contact the O.C. Household Hazardous Waste Center Information Hotline at (714) 834-6752 or http://www.oclandfills.com/hazardous/.
10: When you see a water pollution problem you should:
Incorrect – When reporting you can do all three of these actions: call the County’s Water Pollution Reporting Hotline at (877) 89-SPILL(77455), visit https://myOCeServices.ocgov.comto submit a Service Request under Water Pollution, or call 911 if it’s an emergency.
Incorrect – When reporting you can do all three of these actions: call the County’s Water Pollution Reporting Hotline at (877) 89-SPILL(77455), visit https://myOCeServices.ocgov.comto submit a Service Request under Water Pollution, or call 911 if it’s an emergency.
Incorrect – When reporting you can do all three of these actions: call the County’s Water Pollution Reporting Hotline at (877) 89-SPILL(77455), visit https://myOCeServices.ocgov.comto submit a Service Request under Water Pollution, or call 911 if it’s an emergency.
Correct – When reporting you can do all three of these actions: call the County’s Water Pollution Reporting Hotline at (877) 89-SPILL(77455), visit https://myOCeServices.ocgov.comto submit a Service Request under Water Pollution, or call 911 if it’s an emergency.