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ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
STORMWATER RUNOFF POLLUTION PREVENTION
The city's Stormwater Runoff Pollution Program is concerned with preventing any toxic substances and other pollutants from entering the storm drain system, which flows directly into our creeks and on to the Bay. Unlike wastewater that drains into sanitary sewer systems, contaminants that flow into storm drains are not treated. These pollutants endanger the quality of the water in our creeks and can eventually harm birds, marine life and even humans. Examples of pollutants that we have seen illegally flushed into storm drains include: vehicle fluids such as motor oil, anti-freeze, and brake fluid; concrete rinsewater; grease from cleaning restaurant kitchen mats; paint and paint cleanup water; pool water; mud hosed into the gutter from grading projects.
Cupertino's Watercourse Protection Ordinance prohibits the discharge of residential and industrial waste to storm drains. Violators could be cited $25,000 per day.
Many brake pads contain copper. Copper is toxic to aquatic life and copper brake pad dust is estimated to be the largest source of copper to San Francisco Bay. The following link provides information relevant to
copper Brake Pads.
Copper Brakepads Information.
To Report Dumping into or around Storm Drains
Call 777-3269 during business hours (Public Works Dept's Service Center).
Sanitary Sewer vs. the Storm Drain System
The sanitary sewer is the system of pipes that carries wastewater away from homes and businesses. Sanitary drains are typically drains found inside of buildings. The sewage or wastewater flows through underground pipelines to a sewage treatment plant, where the wastewater is cleaned and ultimately discharged into the Bay. The Cupertino Sanitary District maintains pipelines within Cupertino. Questions regarding this system should be directed to the district's Cupertino office at 20065 Stevens Creek Blvd. or by calling (408) 253-7071.
The storm drain system is also made up of underground pipelines. However, these pipes are designed to carry rain water off of city streets to prevent flooding. Rain water enters the system at the grated catch basins found along the curb near city street intersections. Water from these pipes is discharged, untreated, directly into our city creeks. Cupertino's creeks eventually flow into the San Francisco Bay. That is why it is so important that nothing but rain water enter the storm drain system. Comments or complaints about the storm drain system within Cupertino's city limits should be directed to the city's Service Center at 10555 Mary Ave., by calling (408) 777-3269.
Draining Your Pools and Spas Brochure
How to Hold a Car Wash
Links to related Environmental Services:
Apartment Garbage Service
Business Garbage Service
Residential Garbage Service
Compost
Energy
Environmental Links
Environmental News
Hazardous Waste
Junk Mail Reduction Kit
Pest Control - Integrated Pest Management
Recycling
Stormwater Runoff Pollution Prevention
Stormwater Quality Regulation for Developers & Contractors
Street Sweeping
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