Stormwater Program

Click here for information regarding the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Fee

What is stormwater pollution?

Have you ever wondered where the oil goes that makes driving on roads and highways so dangerous after the Þrst rainfall? Have you ever thought about what happens to the detergent that runs down the driveway when you wash your car? Or, have you ever been curious about where leaves and lawn clippings go that are left in the gutter? The answer is that these things end up in our Santa Clara River and the ocean. They are a major source of pollution and damage.

Stormwater pollution includes materials and chemicals which are washed into the storm drain system by rainwater and other means from streets, neighborhoods, business locations, parking lots, construction sites, etc. This type of pollution is a problem because, unlike the sewer system, stormwater is untreated and ßows directly to the Santa Clara River and ultimately the ocean.

Stormwater pollution can have a signiÞcant impact on water quality in Santa Clarita. Pollutants ßowing through the storm drain system can harm Þsh, wildlife and wetland habitats, as well as damage recreation areas. During wet weather, large amounts of these pollutants are carried through the storm drain system into the Santa Clara River. These pollutants present an on-going hazard to water resources, wildlife and people.

What is Santa Clarita doing to help control stormwater pollution?

Stormwater quality management programs are being developed all across Los Angeles County by each city in conjunction with the State of California. As part of the overall effort, we are providing information and education and encouraging residents to help improve water quality in our valley.

This program also includes maintaining the storm drain system and catch basins in the City, weekly street sweeping, inspecting storm drains to ensure adequate drainage, identifying and reducing illegal dumping, and adopting a Stormwater Runoff Ordinance which prohibits the discharge of any pollutant into the storm drain system.

What is the storm drain system?

• Streets
• Gutters
• Creeks
• Rivers
• Washes
• Drainage ditches

What kind of activities are prohibited?

• Disposal of leaves, dirt and other landscape debris into the storm drain system.
• Release of pesticides, fungicides or herbicides banned by the EPA or the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
• Disposal of hazardous wastes into trash containers (paint, antifreeze, motor oil, etc.).
• Disposing of fuel, chemicals, animal waste, garbage and other materials that have potential negative impacts on water quality.

What can you do to help?

• Properly neutralize pool water before draining.
• Do not blow or rake leaves into the street, gutter or storm drain.
• Do not over-fertilize and do not fertilize near ditches, streams or other water bodies.
• Recycle your oil and oil Þlters.
• Properly maintain your car by replacing leaky hoses.
• Never clean brushes or rinse paint containers into a street, gutter, or storm drain.
• Use water-based paints instead of oil-based paints.

What's the bottom line?

If it's not rain water, it doesn't belong in the storm drain system.

What can I do if I currently do some of these activities?

Contact the City of Santa Clarita Environmental Services Division. Informational brochures are available for many different activities listed above with easy-to-do alternatives.

What can I do if I see someone dumping something into the gutter or catch basin? Who can I call if I see something in the gutter and I don't know what it is?

To report illegal dumping and discharges to the storm drain system, call the City's Stormwater Hotline immediately at (661) 222-7222.