Municipal Services

Go Green

Storm Drain Stenciling

Why Stencil Storm Drains?

Storm water runoff is said to account for up to 80% of the pollution in some of our streams. Each year people pour hazardous chemicals, pesticides, paints, detergents, paint chemicals, antifreeze and used motor oil down storm drains. Rainwater washes along neighborhood gutters into storm drains, flowing directly into the San Joaquin River. Part of the problem is the common misconception people have that storm water is treated for pollutants the way household sewage is treated. Stormwater does not go to a treatment plant. Instead, it carries trash that is dumped onto streets, gutters or storm drains directly into our waters. The use of storm sewers as garbage disposals ruins the aesthetic enjoyment of our waterways and degrades wildlife habitats. Small amounts of toxic chemicals- antifreeze, motor oil pesticides, household cleaners - may weaken aquatic life, especially fish, and make them more susceptible to diseases. Did you know that it has been estimated that one pint of oil can cause a slick about the size of two football fields on the surface of calm water! The surface of the water is a vital biological habitat, and serves as a nursery for developing eggs and larvae of fish and other aquatic organisms. It also contaminates the water, making it unfit for activities such as swimming, fishing, and other common recreational usage. By participating in the City of Turlock’s Storm Drain Stenciling Project you are helping to send a message about a relatively unknown pollution problem and, at the same time, suggesting appropriate actions that can be taken to combat the problem. We thank you for your participation with this worthwhile project to convey the importance of pollution prevention to the Turlock community.

City of Turlock Storm Drain Stenciling Event

The City of Turlock coordinates an annual volunteer-based, community storm drain stenciling project. The purpose of the program is to raise awareness of a relatively unknown pollution problem, storm water runoff. The project involves a multitude of volunteers who spend the day stenciling the message, “The Solution = No Pollution” on drains located throughout the City of Turlock to help educate residents and suggest ideas on how to help prevent storm water run-off. The program is offered to individual groups/organizations on an ongoing basis and community service hours are available for participating in the project.

Storm water runoff is said to account for up to 80% of the pollution in some of our streams. Each year people pour hazardous chemicals, pesticides, paints, detergents, paint chemicals, antifreeze and used motor oil down storm drains. Rainwater washes along neighborhood gutters into storm drains, flowing directly into the San Joaquin River. Part of the problem is the common misconception people have that storm water is treated for pollutants the way household sewage is treated. Storm water does not go to a treatment plant. Instead, it carries trash that is dumped onto streets, gutters or storm drains directly into our waters.

The use of storm sewers as garbage disposals ruins the aesthetic enjoyment of our waterways and degrades wildlife habitats. Small amounts of toxic chemicals- antifreeze, motor oil pesticides, household cleaners - may weaken aquatic life, especially fish, and make them more susceptible to diseases. Did you know that it has been estimated that one pint of oil can cause a slick about the size of two football fields on the surface of calm water! The surface of the water is a vital biological habitat, and serves as a nursery for developing eggs and larvae of fish and other aquatic organisms. It also contaminates the water, making it unfit for activities such as swimming, fishing, and other common recreational usage.

If you or your club/organization would like to participate in the SDS program, contact the City of Turlock Municipal Services Department at 209.668.5599 ext.4474. And remember “The Solution = No Pollution”!