Stormwater Quality Program
The County of Sacramento is involved in protecting our creeks and rivers through pollution prevention efforts. We partner with other public agencies, including the Cities of Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, and Rancho Cordova, that form the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership to:
- Educate and inform the public about urban runoff pollution
- Encourage public participation in community and clean-up events
- Work with industries and businesses to encourage best management practices that prevent pollution
- Require construction activities to reduce erosion and pollution
- Require developing projects to include pollution controls that will continue to operate after construction is complete
We also work with our own internal departments and divisions to ensure that our maintenance and development projects are designed to reduce pollution.
How is Our Program Funded?
Homeowners within the unincorporated County area and the cities of Citrus Heights and Elk Grove pay $5.85 per month for the stormwater program, through the stormwater drainage utility. Residents in the cities of Sacramento, Folsom and Galt also contribute funds through their utilities.
Why Are We Concerned About Urban Runoff?
Before the Sacramento area was developed, most rainfall fell onto natural areas and the water soaked into the ground. Over the last century, we've changed the landscape dramatically by adding roads and buildings and drainage pipes. Stormwater that once soaked into the ground now flows quickly into street gutters and drains. It is then carried in pipes to our creeks and rivers without treatment. Everyday activities also add water: activities such as car washing, lawn watering, and cleaning buildings and streets. Along the way, the fast-moving urban runoff picks up pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, eroded soil, and oil and grease from cars. These pollutants make their way into our creeks and rivers where they pollute the water and harm the ecosystem of both plants and animals. Eventually, this affects all of us, since we eat the fish and use the rivers for recreation. Some of us in the Sacramento area also drink treated river water.
How Can You Help?
There are plenty of ways for Sacramento area residents, students, community groups and businesses to get involved in pollution prevention efforts. Below is information on how to you can contribute to cleaner and healthier waterways.