Stormwater is a term used to describe water that originates during precipitation events. Stormwater that does not soak into the ground becomes surface runoff, which either flows into surface waterways or is channeled into storm drains. Stormwater pollution occurs when stormwater runoff comes in contact with contaminants before reaching the Santa Maria River and Pacific Ocean. Contaminants can be automotive fluids, sediment, detergents, animal waste, pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals, trash, oils, food processing waste, and many more substances.

The City of Santa Maria proactively manages stormwater within its City limits. Historically, the City has focused on the impacts of stormwater as it relates to flood control; however, in the last decade additional regulations have been adopted in the State of California which specifically address the discharge quality of stormwater from a City's stormwater conveyance system.

Join the City of Santa Maria in Making the Connection and learn how you or your business can team with the City of Santa Maria to help prevent stormwater pollution. Please click on any of the links below!

If you observe something being dumped into a storm drain or street, or observe water running down the street when it is not raining, please report it to us by clicking the Report an Issue link above, 
or call the City of Santa Maria Utilities Regulatory Compliance Division
at (805) 925-0951 extension 7270.

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