Misc. & Runoff
Best Management Practices For:
Residential Home Owners, Pool Owners, Carpet Cleaners
The wastewater generated from cleaning homes, drive ways, patios and decks can harm the environment if they enter the storm drain system. Washing the exterior of homes or paved surfaces into a gutter or storm drain pollutes the environment. Water runoff from these activities can pick up sediment, debris and oil. These pollutants drain into the Las Vegas Wash, harming aquatic life. Oil and grease, for example, clog fish gills and block oxygen from entering the water. If oxygen levels in the water become too low, aquatic animals die. Oil and grease that makes its way into the environment can block oxygen from entering the water. And, toxins found in degreasers and cleaners can, in high concentrations, harm aquatic life.
Washing Mobile Homes, Decks, Roofs/Shingles, Awnings, Pool Decks, Patios
Discharge wastewater to landscaped or soiled area. (Note: Be aware that soapy water may adversely affect landscaping. Discharge should be directed to an area large enough to contain all the water. Discuss this practice with the property owner).
If wastewater doesn't go to soil/landscaping, or if soap is used, wastewater must go to the sanitary sewer.
If no soap is used, wastewater may be discharged to the gutter or storm drain through a filtering apparatus (e.g., boom to capture debris and particles).
Exception: Treated wood shingles are often treated with a toxic material. Treated shingles should be dry swept only. Runoff from cleaning may be toxic to plants in a landscaped area and should never be discharged to the storm drain or sanitary sewer.
Pool Draining
Pool water must be discharged to the sanitary sewer via an on-site sewer manhole or through a resident's sewer clean-out. Pool draining into the street or storm drain is against city and county ordinance.
For more information please visit: https://www.lvvwd.com/conservation/outdoor/pools.html
Carpet Cleaning
Waste water from carpet cleaning must be discharged to the sanitary sewer via an on-site sewer manhole or through a resident's sewer clean-out. Waste water draining into the street or storm drain is against city and county ordinance.
Lawn Watering
Discharging irrigation water to the storm drain system must be avoided. Over watering can transport pollutants like pet waste, fertilizers, and pesticides into the streets and eventually into the stormwater system. Help protect stormwater by following these simple lawn and household water guidelines:
- Adding or removing one minute from the watering time will change the amount of water you use by 25 percent.
- Don't water when it's windy or rainy.
- Schedule start times at least one hour apart. Use the cycle & soak method of watering.
- If your timer has a "skip day" mode, water lawns 4 to 5 days apart in the winter and 2 to 3 days apart in the spring and fall.
- If you have an old mechanical sprinkler clock or a one-program irrigation clock, upgrade to a newer, multiprogram model.
For more information about water conservation, and water runoff prevention, contact the Las Vegas Valley Water District