Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is stormwater pollution?
Runoff from rainstorms is called stormwater. Stormwater becomes
polluted by flowing over dirty surfaces, such as parking lots. Stormwater
pollution also takes place when someone dumps materials, like oil or
paint, directly into the storm drain. Polluted stormwater flows without
treatment directly to creeks and rivers, where it can be harmful to
aquatic life.
What are catch basins or storm drain inlets?
Catch basins and storm drain inlets are curbside receptacles that catch surface water runoff from rainfall and deliver it to
the storm drain system, where it's eventually delivered to local creeks
and rivers.
Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?
No. Storm drains and sanitary sewers have two distinct functions. Storm drains are intended to collect and transport runoff from
rainfall. Storm drain systems do not remove pollutants from water before
it is discharged into streams and rivers. These are typically the drains
found in streets and in parking lots. Sanitary sewers collect
wastewater from indoor plumbing such as toilets, sinks, washing machines
and floor drains and take it to a sewage treatment plant. The treatment
plant removes many pollutants from wastewater before it is discharged to
the river.
Do drain inlets get cleaned out?
Yes. County crews maintain approximately 61,000 drain inlets, 33,000
manholes and thousands of miles of storm drain pipelines countywide.
Why doesn't the County clean out all of the storm drain inlets right
before a storm?
Seeing as Sacramento County maintains more than 61,000 drain inlets,
there are too many to clean in a short period of time. Storm drain inlets
are maintained on a year-round schedule.
Why doesn't the County install filters or screens in front of drain
inlets?
It sounds like a good idea, but during a rainstorm, trash is quickly
swept into drain inlets. Any screen or filtration device placed in front
of the drain inlet would cause trash to accumulate and clog the grate,
preventing proper drainage and potentially creating a flood hazard. With
approximately 61,000 drain inlets in Sacramento County maintenance crews
would be unable to keep up with cleaning these devices potentially
creating flooding hazardous. However there new technologies being
developed in the form of filtration or screening devices to be installed
and inserted inside drain inlets. The Stormwater Program Engineering
groups are always evaluating these new technologies for possible future
use.
What types of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?
Heavy metals paint thinner and paint products, motor oil, pesticides,
fertilizers, human and animal feces, antifreeze, and dead animals - are
all but a few examples of the pollutants typically found in the storm
drain system.
How much water passes through the system?
On a typical dry summer day, an average of one million gallons of water flow
through the system. This flow comes from over landscape irrigation runoff
(primarily lawns) fire hydrant pressure releases, and car washes
throughout the region, just to name a few.
In a heavy rainstorm, this flow can increase to billions and billions
of gallons a day.
Is it necessary to line channels with concrete? Can't they be natural
waterways?
No. Many channels in Sacramento County were concrete lined to
accommodate runoff from large storm events while using the least amount of
land. The County is now realizing that naturally vegetated channels
provide many benefits that concrete channels do not. These benefits
include improved water quality, animal habitat and recreational value. The
County's current policy calls for design of natural channels rather then
concrete lined channels.
Illegal Dumping
What is the County of Sacramento doing about illegal
dumping?
The County's Stormwater Ordinance makes it an environmental crime to
knowingly dump or discharge hazardous materials into the storm drain
system and the County can impose fines on violators when they are
caught.
I see people dumping their used oil into storm drains all the time.
What can I do?
Dumping used oil into the storm drain system is illegal. One gallon of
motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water. To report the
problem, call (916) 875-RAIN. Otherwise, all county residents and
businesses can take their used, uncontaminated motor oil to the North Area
Recovery Station Household Hazardous Waste Facility located on 4550
Roseville Road, North Highlands. For more information or to make an
appointment, call (916) 875-5555.
What happens if I see a neighbor, or know someone who's throwing trash
into a storm drain?
Storm drains are designed for catching rain water only. Dumping trash
or other pollutants down storm drain inlets is illegal and is a violation
of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 as well as the County of
Sacramento's Stormwater Ordinance. If a neighbor is disposing of trash in
the storm drain, they may not understand that drain inlets directly
connect to our creeks and rivers. If you have an amicable relationship
with your
neighbor, it may be just a matter of informing and making them aware of
its environmental impact. If it is someone who you feel is knowingly
violating and repeatedly dumping into storm drains, please call the County
of Sacramento, Department of Water Resources, Stormwater Quality Program at (916) 875-RAIN; or the City of Sacramento Department of
Utilities at (916) 808-1400.
What is the fine/penalty for illegal dumping?
Fines and penalties are based on type and amount of illegally
discharged material. Each violation can be based on, but not limited to, a
cost recovery fine and/or enforcement fine.
I have some paint, paint thinner, chemicals, batteries at home that I
need to dispose of. How do I do it?
Paints, paint thinner, cleaning chemicals, automotive fluids and
batteries are all examples of household hazardous waste that need proper
disposal. Please visit the
Sacramento County Department of Waste Management and Recycling website
or call (916) 875-5555 for more information on the Sacramento County
Household Hazardous Waste program.
How can I be environmentally responsible when washing my car?
The best place to wash your car is at a full or self service car wash,
since these facilities treat and discharge their wastewater to the
sanitary sewer system, and many use recycled water. If you wash your
vehicle at home, wash it over a lawn or gravel area, if feasible. Use
biodegradable soaps, and use as little water as possible. Shut off water
while washing your car, or use a trigger nozzle to stop the flow.
Remember not to leave your car on the lawn.
Yard clippings leaves are natural, so they don't cause any problems,
right?
Grass, leaves and yard clippings that are repeatedly swept into catch
basins can clog the drain, causing flooding and the potential for becoming
a breeding ground for rodents and insects. Additionally, when grass and
leaves decompose they encourage excessive growth of algae which can
deprive fish of adequate oxygen.
About the Program
What kind of educational programs or informational materials are
available about stormwater?
There is a variety of educational programs on how to prevent Stormwater
pollution. The Sacramento Stormwater Quality Program offers many types
educational programs on its public outreach page.
I have often seen stencils over storm drains and conveyances. How do I
get a stencil for a catch basin near me?
You can contact the Sacramento County Department of Water Resources at
(916) 874-6851 or for more information on the neighborhood
"Paint-A-Drain Campaign" stenciling program.
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