Storm Water Management

Everyday activities such as yard work and washing your car can be harmful to our water quality. Learn what we all can do to help keep our water clear of pollution:

If you see any pollutants that have been dumped or washed down the gutters and going down the storm drains please notify the Planning, Public Works and Environmental Services Department right away by completing the following online form. Storm Drain Pollution Complaint Form
We all want the water we depend on every day to be clean and pollution free. Watch these 5 to 7 minute YouTube videos and learn what you can do to conserve and protect our water quality: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/stormfilm/
Check out this website for interesting facts and creative ways the whole family can get involved in keeping our water clean: http://www.sacsplash.org.
Don't dump anything down storm drains. Chemicals and household products such as paint, oil, and pesticides harm fish, wildlife, and people.
Dispose of litter and waste properly.
Keep storm drains clear of leaves, debris, dirt, sand, silt, and trash. View informative videos here: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/stormfilm/.
Prevent dripping and spilling automobile fluids. Used oil and filters, antifreeze, and other automobile fluids can be safely recycled at a local used oil collection center. Click here for locations.
Wash cars and other vehicles at a car wash, rather than in a yard or on the street where the soap and oil will flow into a storm drain.
Reduce or eliminate use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers for landscaping and lawns.
Compost or recycle leaves and yard waste, do not dump into streams or behind fences.
Prevent livestock from entering watercourses by fencing and other means.
Clean up after pets and dispose of it in the trash can.
Take steps during construction activities to prevent dirt and sediment from running off the site and into waterways.

This program was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on December 7, 2004.

Storm Water Management Plan (PDF)

Stormwater Ordinance (PDF)

Stormwater Standards & Standard Drawings (PDF)

Good Housekeeping Practices (PDF)
Part of the Yolo County Improvement Standards

Questions or comments can be directed to ppw@yolocounty.org

State Programs and Information:

California Urban Water Conservation Council - BMPs at: https://calwep.org/our-work/conservation/bmp-guidebooks/

State Water Resources Control Board at: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Cal-Trans SWPPP and WPCP Preparation Manual: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/construc/stormwater/documents/CTSW-TM-11-255-08-2_Summary-of-Changes.pdf

California’s Phase II Small MS4 Permit, see at: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/docs/phsii2012_5th/order_final.pdf

Natural Resources Conservation Service: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/california
State Water Resources Control Board - Water Quality National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, General Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Sewer Systems

Other educational & useful links:
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
State Water Resources Control Board Permit Information
Cal-Trans SWPPP and WPCP Preparation Manual

Putah Creek Council at: http://www.putahcreekcouncil.org/

Yolo Audubon at: http://www.yoloaudubon.org/

Yolo Basin Foundation at: http://yolobasin.org/

Yolo County Resource Conservation District at: http://www.yolorcd.org/

Yolo County Visitors Bureau at: http://www.yolocvb.net/

Yolo County Creek Cleanup Day ~ Bragging Rights: News Article

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