Water wisely & protect our waterways.
Overwatering lawns and gardens can cause runoff that carries fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants into storm drains and local creeks. Overwatering is one of the most common sources of dry-weather runoff that can carry fertilizers, pesticides, trash, and sediment into the storm drain system, polluting our waterways even when it’s not raining. Irrigation runoff from front and back yards is considered an illicit discharge under Encinitas Municipal code.

Smart watering tips:

• Adjust sprinklers to avoid overspray on sidewalks and driveways.
• Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
• Fix leaks and broken sprinkler heads promptly.
• Use drought-tolerant or native plants to reduce water use.

Did you know?

Irrigation runoff is considered an illegal discharge under EMC 20.08.040.

The City partners with local water districts to promote water conservation and reduce runoff. Explore water-wise landscaping tips provided by your Water District at the links below!

San Dieguito Water District Conservation & Outreach

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Conservation & Outreach

Why it matters:
Pet waste contains harmful bacteria that can wash into storm drains and pollute local waterways. This contributes to beach closures and harms wildlife.

What you can do:

• Always pick up after your pet, even in your own yard.
• Carry bags when walking your dog and dispose of waste in trash receptacles.
• Never leave pet waste on sidewalks, trails, lawns, or near storm drains.

Did you know?

• Pet waste is a direct source of bacteria that can have a direct impact on local creeks and beaches.

• The City’s Municipal Code requires proper disposal of pet waste to prevent bacteria from entering the storm drain system.

Keep soap and grime out of the storm drain.
Washing your car in the driveway can send soap, oil, and dirt into the storm drain, which flows untreated to the ocean. Even biodegradable soap can harm aquatic life by reducing oxygen levels in the environment.

Better options:

• Use a commercial car wash as these facilities recycle water and dispose of it properly.
• If washing at home, park on grass or gravel and use a bucket and shut-off nozzle.
• Avoid letting wash water flow into the street or gutter.

Did you know?

• Individual residential car washing is conditionally allowed under EMC 20.08.050, however, only if wash water is directed to pervious surfaces and pollutants are minimized.

Fundraiser or group car washes are not exempt and must follow Commercial BMPs.

Clean with care — protect our storm drains.
Mobile vehicle washers and power washing activities must prevent wash water from entering the storm drain system.

Why it matters:
Power washing can generate polluted runoff containing oils, detergents, paint, and other contaminants. If not properly contained, this runoff can enter the storm drain system and pollute local waterways.

What you can do:

• Contain and recapture all wash water. 100% containment is required.
• Use berms, mats, or vacuum systems to prevent runoff or redirect to a landscaping area to allow for infiltration.
• Never allow wash water to enter the street or storm drain.

Did you know?

• EMC 20.08.040 requires full containment and recovery of wash water during power washing.

• Power washing without proper BMPs is considered an illegal discharge and may result in enforcement action.

Click here to view the City of Encinitas Educational Flyer on Power Washing Requirements

Drain smart to protect aquatic life.
Improper pool draining can introduce chlorine, sediment, and other pollutants into the storm drain system.

Best practices:

• Let pool water sit for several days without adding chemicals to allow chlorine to dissipate.
• Never discharge filter backwash or diatomaceous earth (DE) into the street or storm drain.
• Drain pool water slowly to a landscaped area or sanitary sewer (with permission).
• Saline pool water must not be discharged to the storm drain, only to the sanitary sewer or directly to a naturally saline water body (e.g., the ocean), if permitted.

Click here to view the City of Encinitas Educational Flyer on Pool Draining

Did you know?

• Under EMC 20.08.050, only clean, dechlorinated pool water may be discharged to the storm drain so long as it doesn’t cause erosion or carry pollutants.

Filter backwash or diatomaceous earth should be properly disposed of and is considered an illegal discharge if it enters the gutter or MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System).

Litter, unsecured trash, and improper disposal of household waste can be carried by wind or rain into storm drains and from there, into our creeks, lagoons, and the ocean.

Why it matters:

Residential areas make up about 80% of Encinitas, and even small amounts of trash or debris from individual homes can collectively impact water quality. Trash, green waste, and improperly disposed household hazardous waste (HHW) are common pollutants found in stormwater runoff.

What you can do:

• Always keep trash and recycling bin lids closed to prevent windblown litter.
• Don’t overfill bins! Bag loose items and place them securely inside.
• Sweep up debris from driveways and sidewalks. Never hose it down into the street or gutter.
• Keep trash bins off the curb until collection day to reduce the chance of spills.
• Dispose of hazardous waste, electronics, and bulky items properly, never in the trash or storm drain.

Did you know?

• Trash and debris from residential areas are a key contributor to stormwater pollution, especially in neighborhoods near environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs).

• EMC 20.08.040 prohibits any discharge of trash or waste into the storm drain system.

• The City inspects residential areas and responds to complaints to ensure compliance with solid waste BMPs.

Helpful resources:

Residential Trash & Recycling Program

SB 1383 & Organics Recycling Info

Zero Waste Goals & Initiatives

Build responsibly!
Even small home projects like landscaping, patio installation, or remodeling can create pollution through runoff and debris.

Why it matters:
Construction and grading activities, even small residential projects, can disturb soil, generate sediment, and introduce pollutants like concrete washout, paint, and debris into the storm drain system. Without proper controls, these pollutants can flow untreated into local creeks, lagoons, and the ocean.

What you can do:

• Use erosion and sediment control BMPs (e.g., fiber rolls, tarps, gravel bags) to prevent runoff.
• Contain and properly dispose of concrete washout and paint water, never dump into the street or gutter.
• Keep the site clean! Sweep up sediment or debris and secure trash daily.
• Install perimeter controls and stabilized entrances to prevent tracking dirt into the street.
• Protect exposed soil if work stops for 7+ days or before forecasted rain, cover or stabilize it.

Did you know?

• All construction projects must comply with EMC 20.08 and Mandatory Minimum BMP requirements in the Stormwater Standards Manual even if a grading permit isn’t required.

• Disturbed soil areas that are inactive for 7 or more days must be fully protected from erosion, the ability to install BMPs later is not sufficient.

• The City may issue enforcement actions, including Stop Work Notices or fines for non-compliance with construction BMPs.

Stormwater Standards Manual
Construction BMP Memo