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Stormwater Quality Management
What is Stormwater Runoff?
Runoff is generated when water flows over pervious and impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, building rooftops, lawns, etc.) and does not percolate into the ground. As cities grow and people move into new areas, we create more opportunity for runoff to be generated. Stormwater runoff is runoff associated with rainstorms, snowmelt and surface water drainage.
The City of Ventura is nestled between the Ventura River watershed, Santa Clara River watershed and the Pacific Ocean. The stormwater quality program works to preserve these waterways for the enjoyment by our residents, visitors and future generations to come. The program works to integrate water quality benefits into all City operations. The City's storm drain system drains to local creeks, rivers and the ocean; all materials dumped, discharged or deposited in backyards, driveways, parking lots and City streets eventually ends up in these waters, untreated. Working with our community is essential in order to ensure local water quality continues to provide recreational opportunities as well as support wildlife.
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is the total area of land from which runoff drains into streams, rivers and other bodies of water. Watersheds take many shapes and sizes, but all have one thing in common - they act as a drainage basin or catchment area that empty into a single body of water. The City of Ventura is located in three separate watersheds: the Ventura River Watershed, Santa Clara River Watershed
What is Stormwater Pollution?
As stormwater and non-stormwater runoff flow over landscapes and impervious surfaces, it accumulates pollutants such as debris, chemicals, sediment and bacteria that can adversely affect water quality. This runoff flows through local creeks, rivers
Many of our daily activities have the potential to cause stormwater pollution. Car washing detergents, lawn/garden fertilizers and pesticides, pool/spa chemicals, oil, gasoline, paint products
The best way to protect our waterways and keep them clean and
Why is Stormwater Pollution a Problem?
Stormwater runoff picks up materials/pollutants on streets, driveways, parking lots and backyards and
What is the City doing to prevent Stormwater Pollution?
The City implements several programs aimed at reducing and eliminating stormwater pollution impacts. These programs vary from public outreach and education to business and commercial inspections. All stormwater programs share a common goal of improving, protecting and preserving local watersheds for the enjoyment of current and future generations. On a daily
For over 20 years the City has been working with partner agencies on stormwater management.
Things You Can Do for Our Watershed
The Ventura County Community for a Clean Watersheds as well as Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program websites contain publications, watershed protection tips, teaching materials and brochures for businesses and residents that focus on pollution reduction. These websites contain great information for to all age groups on how to protect and enhance our local environments. Check out 10 quick and easy ways to protect our watersheds here. Want to get involved? Check out Volunteer Ventura for upcoming community events you can get involved with!