Water Quality

Storm Drains & Water Quality

Many people are unaware that whatever ends up in the storm drains flow directly, untreated, into our rivers, lakes, and streams. The City of Jurupa Valley, along with many other communities, faces the issue of having to address the impacts that storm water runoff has on local waterways as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Nation Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

As part of these regulations, the City was issued a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit by the Santa Ana Region Water Quality Control Board. This State Permit places pollution prevention requirements on planned developments, construction sites, commercial and industrial businesses, municipal facilities and activities, and residential communities.

Storm Drain Pollution

Storm drain pollution happens throughout the year when pollutants such as motor oil, antifreeze, trash, and grease accumulate on streets and parking lots. When rain finally does fall it carries these pollutants into the storm drain. Even common activities such as watering your lawn and washing your car cause pollutants to make their way to the storm drain.

Preventing Pollution

Since preventing pollution is much easier to do than cleaning up after the fact, the city has put together a water quality program which includes, but is not limited to:

• Assisting development plan review to ensure compliance with post-construction Water Quality Management Plan Requirements.
• Conducting outreach and public education
• Eliminating illegal discharges
• Inspecting construction sites and businesses
• Monitoring water quality
• Promoting Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Illicit Discharges

To report illicit discharges call 951-332-6464.

Public Outreach

Outreach materials are available by visiting any of the following websites or clicking on any of the following links.

• EPA - NPDES
• Riverside County Flood Control - NPDES Facts
• Riverside County Flood Control - Storm Water
• Storm Water Permits (PDF)
• Storm Water Pollution General Construction (PDF)
• What you Should Know about Storm Water Pollution (PDF)

Inspections

In order to comply with the Santa Ana Region Water Quality Control Board’s MS4 Permit and the EPA’s NPDES, the City of Jurupa Valley must perform storm water and non-storm water inspections of local businesses. The results of the inspection can be discussed directly with you at the time of inspection. Businesses found to be contributing pollution to our receiving waters are subject to further enforcement. For your convenience, the City of Jurupa Valley allows you to download the inspection application form (PDF) and mail it in.

Per City Council Resolution No. 2016-13, financial hardship waivers (PDF) can be granted under certain circumstances.

City Ordinances

The City has adopted an ordinance and a resolution which deal with Water Quality and the Industrial/Commercial Inspection Program, Ordinance 2012-07 and Resolution 2012-32. The resolution is available by request from the City Clerk, 951-332-6464.