Stormwater Management

Communities must address the impacts of stormwater runoff as part of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

Most residents and developers are unaware of the stormwater pollution (polluted runoff) problem, and the threat it poses to local rivers, lakes and streams. In fact, many people don't realize that storm drains connect to local waterways. Whatever ends-up in the storm drains flows directly — without treatment — to our rivers, lakes and streams. It is also illegal to dump into our waterways (M.C. 9.10.080). To combat this problem and comply with NPDES, Riverside County has developed a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP).

To combat this problem and comply with NPDES, Riverside County has developed a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP).

To determine if your "Significant Redevelopment" or "New Development" project falls under the WQMP requirements, refer to Question #2 in the WQMP Questions and Answers Fact Sheet..

• 2024-25 NPDES Parcel Assessments
• WQMP Document
  This is the actual text of the WQMP.
• WQMP Checklist (for Plan Reviewers)
  This is a checklist to help ensure that your project complies with the WQMP.
• WQMP Exhibit A - Project-Specific WQMP Template
  This is a template to be filled out and submitted as part of your project documentation.
  Note: Right click on the link, then select the "save target" option to save the Word file to your local system.
• Volume Based BMP Design Worksheets POA/HOA Maintained System
  (Excel file - right click on the link, then select the "save as" option to save the file to your local system.)
  These worksheets give a simple procedure for determining the design volume of a BMP based on the location of the project.

Abatement Pollution Business Inspection Program

The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (SARWQCB) issued an NPDES permit for the Santa Ana River Watershed Region of Riverside County.  As mandated by the permit, the City is required to perform NPDES business site compliance inspections.  Failure by the City to perform the inspections subjects the City to substantial State fines that may be imposed by the SARWQCB.

In response to the mandate, the City Council initiated a Pollution Abatement Program.  This program established the NPDES Site Inspection Fee for each inspection.  The inspection fee covers the City’s costs for the State mandated inspections.  See the complete fee schedule.