What Can I do to Prevent Pollution to Local Streams?

1) Reduce the amount of fertilizer you use. Most people tend to over-fertilize. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying fertilizers. More is not necessarily better. Over-fertilizing can actually damage your plants/lawn. Many plants such as lantana and salvia actually prefer little or no fertilizer.

2) Reduce the amount of pesticides you use. There are many organic products available which provide some insect resistance to plants. Many plants are naturally insect resistant such as lantana, marigolds, red-leaf photinia, red buckeye, and oleander.

3) Pick up and properly discard of pet wastes. Pet wastes are an important organic pollutant. We don’t discharge human waste to the streets, but often we don’t pick up out pet wastes and storm water discharges it to the same place.

4) Don’t dump industrial chemicals in your yard. Universal City will take toxic chemical wastes twice a year. Save your old pool chemicals, paint thinner, motor oil, paint, and anti-freeze and we’ll collect them at the Public Works Yard at 256 Kitty Hawk Rd. twice a year. UC does not accept pesticides/herbicides.

5) Dispose of pesticides properly. Dispose of unused pesticides as recommended by the manufacturer.

6) Report mud or silt getting into streets and drainage from construction sites. Call 210-659-0333 ext. 722 to report violations at construction sites.

7) Report dumping of trash/debris into drainage. Trash and debris can clog inlets resulting in localized flooding. Feel free to report litterbugs. Call 210-659-0333 ext. 722. Take photographs whenever possible.