Storm Water Protection
Carlsbad is home to three lagoons, seven miles of beaches and numerous coastal streams. Carlsbad beaches are among the cleanest in San Diego County, according to a recent report by Heal the Bay.
Let's protect our waterways. Please report irrigation runoff, dumping, or washing to the storm drain to the Storm Water Hotline at 760-602-2799, or email stormwater@carlsbadca.gov.
Construction sites can be subject to storm water management requirements. For more information on construction BMPs and storm water, please call 760-602-2750. Follow these simple pollution prevention methods for residents or businesses.
- Storm Water Protection
- What is storm water?Storm water is water that originates during a rain storm. Water that does not filter into the ground becomes runoff.
- What's so important about runoff?
Runoff, from a rain storm, over-irrigation or other sources, flows into storm drains which are not connected to sanitary sewer or treatment facilities. This runoff carries pollutants such as trash, sediment, fertilizers, pet waste and oil directly into our creeks, lagoons and ocean.
- What is a watershed?
A watershed is an area of land that drains to a creek, lagoon or ocean. Carlsbad is part of five watersheds: Buena Vista Creek and Lagoon; Agua Hedionda Creek and Lagoon; Encinas Creek; San Marcos Creek and Batiquitos Lagoon; and Escondido Creek.
- What is a prohibited discharge?
A prohibited, illegal, or illicit discharge is a release of pollutants to the street or storm drain, typically from irrigation runoff, dumping or washing. Prohibited discharges include irrigation runoff, power washing with no water capture, leaking vehicles, substances such as paint or concrete washed to the street or storm drain. Call 760-602-2799 or email stormwater@carlsbadca.gov to report prohibited discharges.
- What is a Best Management Practice (BMP)?
A Best Management Practice, or BMP, is a method or technique to prevent water pollution. A BMP can be a structure, an activity or a behavior. Examples of BMPs are sand bag berms (structural), sweeping (activity) or training and education (behavior).
- Can I drain my pool to the street or storm drain?
Yes, as long as the pool water is pH neutral and not saline, and free of chlorine and dissolved solids.
- Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Yes, but it’s recommended to take your car to a car wash where wash water is recycled. If you must wash your car, park it on grass or gravel or direct the runoff to landscaping whenever possible. Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle and soapy water in a bucket. Minimize runoff to the street.
- Where can I find information on beach water quality?
You can visit San Diego County’s website http://www.sdbeachinfo.com/ for real-time beach water quality.
- Can I pressure wash my house, driveway, etc.?
As long as the wash water is captured and/or diverted from flowing into the street and storm drain, you can pressure wash surfaces at your residence. Wash water is not allowed to flow to the street or storm drain. Also be sure to follow the current drought restrictions.
- I’m concerned about mosquitos breeding in standing water near my home. What can I do?
Contact the San Diego County’s Vector Control Program at 858-694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov to report mosquito breeding. Check your property and remove any standing water around your home.
- What does the city do to protect our watersheds?
The Storm Water Protection Program monitors water quality, investigates complaints, inspects businesses, and educates the public on pollution prevention.
- What can I do?
If you see irrigation runoff, dumping, or washing to the street or storm drain, call or email us at 760-602-2799 or stormwater@carlsbadca.gov. And follow these simple methods at home or at work to help protect our creeks, lagoons and ocean.
- What is storm water?