NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – With rain returning this fall, the Caltrans “Protect Every Drop” campaign is reminding Californians about five simple ways to help keep our waterways clean by reducing pollution on our state highways.

Rain washes auto fluids, and grime off vehicles and onto highways. This polluted stormwater often ends up in California’s streams, rivers, and coastal waters.

Help keep waterways drinkable, swimmable and fishable by following these five simple tips to help reduce stormwater pollution:

– Keep your tires properly inflated. It decreases wear, improves gas mileage and makes tires less susceptible to blowouts.

– Regular vehicle maintenance. Fixing leaks helps prevent vehicle fluids from dripping on the highway and waterways.

– Keep your vehicle clean. Use a car wash facility that recycles water to get dirt and grime off vehicles before they end up in storm drains.

– Properly dispose of trash and recycling. Properly dispose of trash and recycling before they fly from a window or truck bed, and into a storm drain.

– Tarp and tie down loads. When hauling loads, make sure that items are properly secured with tarps and tie downs so they don’t fly out of truck beds.

By following these simple tips you can help keep California’s precious water clean.

For more information, visit www.ProtectEveryDrop.com .