Water Wise Pest Control Program

Storm Drain Water 
There are Stormwater drains outside our homes and buildings that are designed to channel rainwater and lawn/garden irrigation runoff directly into local creeks and rivers. Perhaps you have seen the symbol of a fish with a warning on sidewalks next to Stormwater drains reminding us not to dump harmful chemicals in or near these drains. Yet, in Sacramento County, two insecticides commonly applied by residents and businesses, Diazinon and chlorpyrifos (Dursban), are getting into the Stormwater drains and they are ending up polluting our creeks and other natural waterways. These chemicals kill living organisms that live in the waterways and are part of the food web. 

History
In 1990, the County of Sacramento, and the cities of Sacramento, Galt and Folsom formed the Sacramento Stormwater Management Program in an effort to improve water quality in the region. In 1997 this organization applied for and received a grant from CALFED to focus on water quality. Since then, the Sacramento Stormwater Management Program, the Sacramento County UC Master Gardeners, and the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project have teamed up to develop the Water Wise Pest Control Program (WWPC).

Goals
The objectives of the WWPC Program is to educate the residents and businesses of Sacramento County in how to reduce pesticide use and properly handle, store and dispose of pesticides. Some residents may be using these chemicals for damage that is not caused by insect pests. By teaching the public about less toxic pest control alternatives we can help protect our waterways in Sacramento County. If you are interested in scheduling a WWPC presentation for a public group or association, call Linda Taylor at (916) 875-6913.

Visit the Water Wise Pest Control Program web site, www.sacstormwater.org/wise/