Stormwater
STORMWATER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Through the on-going contact with the community, the staff of the Stormwater Management Program receives many questions regarding stormwater pollution. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q: What is a catch basin or storm drain?
A: A catch basin or storm drain is a curbside drain with the sole function of collecting rainwater from our properties and streets, and sending it, via underground piping, to local waterways. Storm drains can also be found in parking lots and serve the same purpose. In the City of Stockton and surrounding County areas, that water never goes to the sewer treatment plant to be cleaned, but flows directly into our creeks, sloughs, rivers and the Delta. 

Q: Are sewers and storm drains the same things?
A: In the City of Stockton they are two different water systems. In Stockton, sewers and storm drains are two completely different drainage systems. Sewers carry wastewater from our homes and businesses (any building with plumbing) from sinks, toilets, showers, tubs, washing machines, dishwashers, etc., to the Regional Wastewater Control Facility or sewer treatment plant where the water is and cleaned and discharged into the San Joaquin River. The storm drain system collects rainwater, runoff from our yards, and anything else dumped into it. That water goes directly to our local waterways with no treatment.

Q: Who maintains the City's storm drain system?
A: The City of Stockton Municipal Utility Department Collection System Crew maintains the municipal sewer system and the storm drain system.

Q: Do catch basins and storm drains get cleaned out?
A: The City of Stockton Municipal Utilities Department Collection Systems Crew performs regular maintenance activities including cleaning, of the storm drain system. In addition, they are always available to respond to emergency situations where clogged drains result in flooding.

Q: Why doesn't the City clean out all of the storm drains before the rainy season?
A: City of Stockton crews clean out clogged catch basins throughout the year as part of its on-going maintenance. Approximately a third of the basins are cleaned annually. Unfortunately, there are just too many catch basins and not enough time or staffing to clean all the drains every year. Residents can reduce flooding in their neighborhoods by keeping material out of the gutters and the storm drains.

Q: Why doesn't the City install filters or screens in front of catch basins?
A: It sounds like a good idea, but during a rainstorm, debris (e.g. leaves, sticks, trash) is quickly swept to the catch basin and any screen or filtration device placed in front of the catch basin would clog the grate resulting in additional flooding.

Q: Why isn't a net/fence/barrier installed at the end of the storm drain channel to catch all of the trash?
A: Unfortunately, nets only catch larger pieces of the debris, branches, trash, pet waste — pollutants such used oil, pesticides, fertilizers, soapy water from washing our vehicles in the driveway, etc., would flow right through the net.

Q: Why doesn't the City build a stormwater treatment facility?
A: Such a facility would be extremely expensive to build and maintain, and these costs would be passed on to our customers.
 
Q: What kinds of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?
A: Motor oil, other auto fluids, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, trash, paint products, pet waste, leaves, grass clippings, soapy water from washing vehicles in driveways and parking lots, are but a few of the pollutants found in the system.

Q: When was the storm system built? Why?
A: The existing system has been around for more than 100 years and continues to expand as the City grows. This is done to insure that as new development occurs, proper drainage is provided.

Q: What is the City of Stockton doing about illegal dumping?
A: The City of Stockton’s drainage ordinance prohibits dumping anything down the storm drain or into a waterway. To report illegal dumping, call the Stormwater Hotline at 937-8341. Each call is treated with confidentiality.

Anyone caught dumping can be cited and a stiff fine imposed. Also, the guilty party will be responsible for cleaning up the material and the storm drain system.

Q: I see people dumping their used oil into storm drains all the time. What can I do?
A: Dumping anything into a storm drain or waterway is illegal. To report the problem, call the Stormwater Hotline at 937-8341. If possible, provide a license number or physical description of person doing the dumping and report to the Stormwater Hotline receptionist or leave a recorded voicemail message.

Used oil should be taken to a nearby gas station or auto parts dealer that accepts used oil. Used oil is also accepted at the permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility located near the Stockton Metropolitan Airport at 7850 South R.A. Bridgeford St. The facility is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is free to all residents of San Joaquin County. For more information, call the San Joaquin County Solid Waste Division at 468-3066.

Q: What should I do if I see a neighbor throwing trash into a storm drain?
A: The storm drain system is for the sole purpose of collecting rainwater overflow. Dumping trash, pollutants and debris in the catch basins is illegal and is a federal violation of the Clean Water Act of 1972, as well as the City of Stockton's Municipal Code. A neighbor may not understand the catch basin's direct connection to the San Joaquin River and other waterways. It may be just a matter of making them aware of its environmental impact. City staff would be more than happy to provide information to your neighbor. Call the Stormwater Hotline at 937-8341 to report any kind of dumping.

Q: How can I properly dispose of left-over paints, thinners, chemicals, car batteries, etc.?
A: San Joaquin County now has permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility located near the Stockton Metropolitan Airport at 7850 South R.A. Bridgeford St. The facility is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is free to all residents of San Joaquin County. For more information, call the San Joaquin County Solid Waste Division at 468-3066.
 
Q: I wash my own car. How can I be environmentally responsible?
A: One option is to have vehicles cleaned at a commercial car wash where wastewater can flow directly into the sanitary sewer system. When washing your car at home, pull it up on the lawn or graveled area where water will leach into the ground instead of flowing into gutter and storm drains. The soapy water with its phosphates is fatal to fish but is good for your lawn. Remember to shut off water while washing your car to prevent runoff.

Q: Yard clippings and leaves are natural, so they don't cause any problems when in the storm drain, right?
A: Wrong. Grass, leaves, yard clippings and even dirt that is repeatedly swept into catch basins can clog the drain and cause flooding. Additionally, when this material reaches our waterways, green waste decomposes and robs the surrounding water of oxygen that is needed for aquatic life. Dirt accumulated over time can also deplete water of oxygen.

Q: Is there a fine/penalty for illegal dumping?
A: Yes. The fine will vary depending on which local or state agency assess the fine.

Q: How is the storm water pollution prevention program funded?
A: Funds are collected through the monthly utility bill.

Q: What kinds of educational programs or informational materials does the City offer for students?
A: TA classroom program is available for 5th grade students. The 35-minute program includes a short video, an overview of the water cycle, stormwater pollution prevention tips, water conservation information and a discussion on how students can help their families reduce stormwater pollution. Each student receives an activity booklet and stickers to reinforce the stormwater message while the teacher also gets a packet of information. There is no charge to the class for the program.

At the high school level, the City of Stockton and San Joaquin County have partnered for stream clean-up projects. In the classroom, students are instructed on the importance of water. The students then take the lessons out into the community by “adopting” a portion of a nearby waterway to learn more about what's in the water, how it got there and its effect on the ecosystem. The students are encouraged to write essays, create slogans and posters as part of their expanded knowledge of the importance of water.
The program culminates in a four-hour weekend stream clean up to remove trash and discarded items such as tires and shopping carts from the waterway. The City, County and other agencies provide the supplies and support for the clean-up effort. To recognize the efforts of the students, a sign is permanently posted at the clean-up site with any logo or slogan created by the students. In addition, the students and school will receive recognition from the City Council and Board of Supervisors for their efforts. There is no charge to the students or school for this partnership effort.

For more information on these and other outreach programs, please contact the Stormwater Management Program at (209) 937-8791.

Q: I have often seen stencils over the catch basins. How do I get a stencil for a catch basin near me?
A: The storm drain stencils are part of the outreach program. Local youth groups, civic organizations, school clubs, church parishioners, and other interested groups are welcome to take part in this community service effort. Paints, stencils and maps will be provided for the project by the City.
 
For more stormwater pollution prevention information, call the Stormwater Management Program at 937-8705, or e-mail mud@ci.stockton.ca.us.

REMEMBER
Only Rain Down the Drain!