Stormwater / National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

Report Illegal Dumping

Call: 800-506-2555

"Only Rain in the Storm Drain!"

The spirit and intent identified in the City's general plan is to achieve and sustain a high quality of life for residents and visitors. The recreational uses of the Lake and surrounding area are key factors in the quality of life for residents and visitors to the City. Preservation of the natural environment by adopting policies and programs for open space preservation and management of the environment is important. Water quality is an ongoing issue and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a key program for preserving water quality.

NPDES/Storm Water Quality is responsible for compliance with various laws, regulations and permits governing urban runoff and storm water generated within the City, as well as surface waters that pass through, or discharge within or adjacent to the City.

This City must also maintain compliance with regional storm water National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit and develop a strategy to effectively implement new permit requirements by engaging other City departments. New requirements include, but are not limited to, conducting inspections of all industrial, commercial, construction and private development Best Management Practices, performing California Environmental Quality Act and General Plan process review, and working with the County on all other requirements.

The NPDES program is regulated by Federal, State and Local agencies. The NPDES program is a direct result of the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) 1972 Clean Water Act and subsequent State of California Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act (PDF). The City as part of Riverside County is under the jurisdiction of the Santa Ana Region MS4 Permit (PDF). Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District serves as the Principal Permittee, hosting the primary website for information.

Several permits govern discharge activity:

The City's MS4 NPDES Permit (PDF) outlines the regulations and prescribes the programs that the City must implement in order to control pollution to the maximum extent practicable (MEP). Chapter 14.08 (PDF) of the City's Municipal Code provides the City's regulations in response to the Permit.

In simple terms, only rain should enter the streets and storm drains. Common activities happen on a daily basis that if unchecked can cause pollutants to enter the storm drain system which leads directly out to our lake and streams causing water pollution.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been developed so that activities can be conducted in a manner that will not violate the laws. A variety of brochures and resources to help conduct your activities without impacting our environment are available:

In order to protect and preserve our lake, channels and streams, we all have to do our part! The following information provides tips and requirements (aka Best Management Practices or (BMPs)) that can be used in daily activities to reduce pollutants and help keep the lake and streams clean. Please note that illegal discharges are subject to enforcement actions, including fines.

Helpful Links

One of the biggest sources of water pollution is irrigation runoff from our yards and landscaped areas! Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District offers helpful tips that can help you save water and money and protect our lake and streams at the same time.

In order to protect and preserve our lake and streams, we all have to do our part! The following information outlines the requirements and provide tips (aka Best Management Practices or (BMPs)) that can be included in daily activities to reduce pollutants to help keep our lake clean. Please note that illegal discharges are subject to enforcement actions, including fines.

Order Number R8-2015-0004, NPDES Number CAG998001 was adopted by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board on June 19, 2015. The Order regulates de minimus discharges (as listed in Section I. Discharge Information, above) to surface waters within the Santa Ana Region.