Frequently Asked Questions

How does urbanization affect the environment?

Urbanization increases impervious surfaces, such as parking lots, streets and other developments.  Rain no longer percolates into the soil, but runs off through the storm drain system.  Storm water runoff can negatively impact water quality by immediately changing temperature, pH and oxygen.  Over longer periods, runoff can cause algae blooms, increased bacteria levels and closed beaches.

I've heard the term NPDES.  What does it mean?

NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, created under the 1972 federal Clean Water Act.  The State of California administers the act through the State Water Resources Control Board and through the Regional Water Quality Boards.  The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a storm water permit in January 2007 to all 18 cities in the county, the Unified Port District, the airport authority and the county.

What does this 2007 storm water permit require of the City of Carlsbad?

The permit, known as the Municipal Permit, requires the city to protect and improve water quality by preventing storm water pollution from construction, new development and existing development.  The Storm Water Protection Program regulates activities from existing residential, commercial and industrial developments; investigates illegal discharges; monitors water quality; and educates the public on proper BMPs.

So what are BMPs?

BMPs are best management practices, or methods and measures designed to prevent or reduce water pollution.

What are some BMPs that I can use?

• Use dry cleanup methods, like brooms, mops or wire brushes, instead of using a hose.
• Verify irrigation systems to prevent overirrigation.  Irrigation runoff can transport fertilizers, pesticides and other pollutants to the storm drain system.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides properly.  Do not apply 3-5 days before any forecasted rain event.
• Consider planting native vegetation.
• Dump wash water to indoor drains or to landscaping where it cannot flow to a storm drain.  Never dump anything to a storm drain.
• Store materials indoors or in covered areas.
• Keep dumpsters and trash cans closed.
• Recycle whenever possible.
• Wash vehicles at a commercial car wash

So what do I do if I see someone dumping or washing pollutants down the drain?

Report any violations to the Storm Water Protection Program HOTline at 760-602-2799 or by email at stormwater@carlsbadca.gov