Pollution Prevention

Temecula storm drains discharge into the Temecula and Murrietta creeks which ultimately drain into the ocean. Storm drains are designed to prevent flooding by carrying excess rainwater away from streets.  They are not designed to carry waste so the water entering them is not treated.  Because storm water is not treated, it often serves the unintended function of transporting pollutants directly into our waterways.


Typical activities that can cause storm water pollution are:   
  • Washing a car on the street, using detergent and allowing it to run down the street drain  
  • Fixing a car on the street, letting oil or other substances flow into the street drain  
  • Disposing of garden waste, letting leaves or garden clippings accumulate in gutters or driveways where they can end up in the street drain  
  • Dropping litter where it will be swept into the street drain the next time it rains  
  • Cleaning paint brushes and letting the contaminated water flow into the street drain  
  • Hosing cement paths, letting the water carry dirt, soil or other waste into the street drains  
  • Not picking up dog droppings
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Best Management Practices Brochures