With the rainy season approaching, now is the time for action to protect the community and the environment from stormwater pollutants. Litter, green waste and plastic bottles are a few of the items that can travel with rainwater into storm drains and into receiving waters like the Los Angeles and San Gabriel rivers and the ocean.

To keep streets and water bodies clean, residents can pick up leaves, trash or other items in and around street gutters and put them in the appropriate waste or recycle bins.

Street gutters and storm drains are designed to remove rainwater from streets to prevent flooding. The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and cities throughout the Los Angeles Basin have installed thousands of catch basin screens and other devices to prevent trash, cigarette butts, bottles and green waste from entering the storm drain system. However, new devices are only one part of a multifaceted solution for protecting regional water bodies.

Residents can help prevent stormwater pollution with these tips.

•Keep street gutters and catch basins free of litter. Only rainwater belongs in the storm drains.

•Put trash in its place. Recycle bottles and cans, put cigarette butts in an ashtray, and put litter in a trash can.

•Pick up after pets. Pet waste left on the ground can wash into storm drains and contaminate beaches and other waterways. Pet owners should be aware that improper disposal is against county ordinance and may result in a fine.

•Apply pesticides or fertilizers sparingly. Always read the label and apply only the amount suggested. It is not recommended to apply pesticides or fertilizers before it rains.

•Pick up green waste. Green waste can be used in backyard composting or recycled through residential curbside green waste recycling programs.

To learn more about the county’s pollution prevention programs, including the SmartGardening Program, call (888) CLEAN LA (253-2652) or go to www.CleanLA.com.