Who we are
The County of Sacramento is involved in a program
designed to clean urban stormwater runoff and protect our
creeks and rivers. We partner with other public agencies,
including the Cities of Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Elk
Grove, Folsom, Galt, and Rancho Cordova, to 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 pollution prevention
- 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. We need volunteers to
help us get the word out. Take the first step by
practicing
pollution
prevention in your own home, then join us in the many
activities and events sponsored throughout your community.
For More Information
Contact Sacramento County Department of Water Resources
at 874-6851.
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