What We Do
Riverside County Watershed Protection works to implement programs that improve stormwater quality, monitor the health of our watersheds and meet the compliance requirements of the three permits we manage.
The Riverside County Watershed Protection partnership program uses a multi-faceted approach—including education, best management practices, evaluation and water quality monitoring—to eliminate stormwater pollution in our waterways and comply with all federal, state and local regulations. Our aim is to empower residents with information about pollution prevention and implement tactics that keep our watersheds healthy.
The Federal Clean Water Act requires that large urbanised areas have a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to prevent harmful pollutants from being dumped or washed by stormwater runoff into the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) and then discharged into local water bodies.
The State Water Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards that oversee your jurisdiction determine your specific NPDES permit. Riverside County Watershed Protection includes three different water quality control boards that govern the Santa Ana, Santa Margarita and Whitewater watersheds. These boards are responsible for managing the County’s MS4 NPDES permit and ensuring compliance.
INFORMATION ON COMPLIANCE AND FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL REGULATIONS:
For the General Construction Stormwater Permit, maps and best management practice information
Overview of the Urban Runoff Monitoring Program
For the General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities & Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Information
Information for all residents of Riverside County
