Why are they bad for water quality?

Oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake and powersteering fluids, and gasoline are but a few of the pollutants cars contribute to storm water pollution. If improperly maintained, cars leak these fluids onto streets, parking lots and driveways. When it rains, these fluids are carried to storm drains and ultimately to the nearest waterbody. All of these fluids contain dangerous chemicals that are harmful to aquatic life, and humans. Additionally, many areas continue to have problems with people, who perform their own car maintenance, dumping unwanted fluids down the streets or directly into storm drains.

What can we do to reduce or prevent storm water pollution?

There are many simple things we can do to prevent storm water pollution and help protect the water quality of our local waterbodies, although the number of pollutants might seem overwhelming. By incorporating simple, daily changes in our routine or activities, preventing storm water pollution will not seem like such a dramatic change to our lifestyle.

Maintaining your automobile often will reduce the frequency of fluid leaks and tailpipe emissions.

Prevent leaks from spilling onto your street or driveway by placing a drip pan, plastic sheet or other material to collect the fluid.

If you insist on maintaining your automobile at home, make sure to collect any unwanted oil and dispose of it properly. Many auto parts stores (294 KB) will take your used oil and recycle it. For more information about motor oil recycling, contact the California Environmental Hotline at 1-800-CLEANUP or visit their website at www.1800CLEANUP.org.

Try to maintain your vehicle in an area with a roof. Never do auto repairs or change your oil during a rain storm.

Clean up spills quickly with rags or other absorbent materials. Washing spills down the street is illegal.

When cleaning automobile parts, try using non-hazardous products, when possible.

What do the laws say about oil and other automobile fluids?

It is illegal to dump oil or other automobile fluids into the storm drains. All automobile fluids must be stored under a cover or in watertight containers. Outdoor auto repairs are illegal during a rain storm. All hazardous waste must be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection site.