The Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants into a water body without an NPDES permit. The NPDES permits and water quality documents applicable to land development projects are described below. See the Stormwater and Water Conservation Tracking Tool (Geodatabase) for additional information related to your specific project location.
Water Conservation Tool – This useful tool was created to support stormwater management tracking and decision making by the MS4 Copermittees. It is also useful to Developers, Planners, Engineers, Utility Companies and other businesses to guide you through the development process.
Industrial General Permit
The Industrial General Permit is an NPDES permit that regulates discharges associated with nine broad categories of industrial activities, including manufacturing plants, mining operations, disposal sites, recycling centers and transportation facilities. The permit requires the development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan that identifies sources of pollution and describes the measures the facility has taken to reduce stormwater pollution.
Not sure which watershed you’re in?
Use our map to find out.
General Construction Activities Stormwater Permit
The General Construction Activities Stormwater Permit may be required for any business that engages in construction or demolition, including clearing, grading, grubbing or excavation. Any activities that result in a disturbance of land of one acre or more may also need to apply and adhere to the General Construction permit.
Rules and Regulations
Created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act, the NPDES permit program addresses water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into US waterways. Point sources are natural or manmade conveyances like pipes or ditches.
The regional board that oversees your jurisdiction determines 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.
Applications & Permits
- General Construction Stormwater Permit
- General Industrial Stormwater Permit
- Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District: Encroachment Permits
- Caltrans Stormwater Permit
Water Quality Management Program
Water Quality Management Program
Middle Santa Ana River Watershed WQMP
Santa Margarita River Watershed
Whitewater River Watershed WQMP
- Whitewater WQMP Guidance Document
- Whitewater WQMP Template
- Whitewater BMP Design Handbook for Low Impact Development
- Bioretention Facility Design Worksheet
- Extended Detention Basin Design Worksheet
- Infiltration Basin Design Worksheet
- Infiltration Trench Design Worksheet
- Landscaped Filter Strip Design Worksheet
- Landscaped Swales Design Worksheet
- Permeable Pavement Design Worksheet
- Sand Filter Basin Design Worksheet
- Volume and Flow Based Design Worksheets – Whitewater
