Storm Drain Pollution Prevention, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Do you know where the water goes?

City of Moreno Valley is serviced by two drainage systems - sanitary sewers and storm drains. The storm drain system is designed to prevent flooding by carrying excess rainwater away from streets; it's not designed to be a waste disposal system. Since the storm drain system does not provide for water treatment, it often serves the unintended function of transporting pollutants directly to our precious waterways.

Unlike sanitary sewers, storm drains are not connected to a treatment plant - they flow directly to our local channels that eventually drain to Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore and eventually to the ocean..

What can you do to protect our water?

Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil and other auto fluids. PLEASE DON'T POUR THEM ONTO THE GROUND OR INTO OUR STORM DRAINS.

Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off, contributing to water pollution. In addition, yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to our local channels, eventually polluting Canyon Lake and Lake Elsinore .

• Don't over water your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.
• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.
• Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or sweep it into catch basins or channels. By composting and mulching your yard waste, you can also recycle the nutrients and organic matter right back into your lawn, further reducing the need to fertilize.
• Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects.

Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release nutrients and pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that can be picked up by stormwater and carried to our streets and storm drains. Pathogens can cause health problems and environmental concerns. Nutrients can cause excess algae growth that can degrade the water quality of Canyon Lake and Lake Elsinore.

• Inspect your system and have your tank pumped every 3-5 years or more frequently, as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Don't dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets. This can permanently damage your system resulting in expensive repairs.

Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm drain system. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same results as dumping the materials directly into the waterbody.

• Use a commercial carwash that treats or recycles its wastewater or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.
• Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations.

Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters.

• When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risk by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies.

Should you have any questions regarding the City of Moreno Valley's Stormwater Program, please call 951.413.3120.

REMEMBER. ONLY RAIN IN THE DRAIN!