Starting Wednesday, San Diego crews will increase street sweeping in Mission Beach this summer in response to heavy tourist traffic.

The additional sweepings, scheduled every Wednesday through September, are intended to prevent an increase in trash and debris from reaching the ocean or Mission Bay.

“I want to thank the Stormwater Department for their continued hard work to keep Mission Beach clean during the busy summer months,” said Councilwoman Jennifer Campbell, who represents Mission Beach. “As residents and visitors come to the beach this summer, these additional routes will ensure that our streets are free of trash and debris, and fly infestations are reduced. This will improve the quality of life for all people to enjoy Mission Beach.”

The Stormwater Department will use specialized sweeping equipment to not only hit the main roads, but nearly every alley in both North and South Mission Beach, a city statement read.

“Street sweeping is one of the most effective ways we protect our neighborhoods and reduce pollution reaching the ocean,” said Todd Snyder, director of the Stormwater Department. “By sweeping Mission Beach every week, we’re helping ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy our exceptional beaches and bays all summer long.”

Posted parking signs will notify residents and visitors, who can also help by ensuring trash makes it to marked collection bins and by reporting illegal dumping via the city’s Get It Done app.

According to the city, rainfall that enters storm drains is not treated, and that runoff collects pollutants from properties and streets and carries them into local waterways. Street sweeping helps remove large and microscopic pollutants, such as brake dust, from vehicles before they reach a storm drain. Those particles can be extremely harmful to fish and other wildlife.

Additionally, San Diego’s Environmental Services Department will double trash collection from May 30 to Sept. 5, picking up refuse on Saturdays as well as the usual Tuesdays. Organic waste and recyclables will continue the once-a-week schedule.