Water quality is one of our highest priorities here in the City of Buena Park. The Federal Clean Water Act mandates that the State of California keep trash and other pollutants out of its precious waterways. The City is implementing a new program called the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). NPDES reinforces the City's Stormwater Drainage Ordinance created in 1996. We are assisted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), Orange County Stormwater Division and all other cities within the County to reduce and eliminate stormwater pollution.

Stormdrains are designed to remove rain water from the street. Water flowing from your sidewalk goes into the inlet, flows through the City rivers, and then ultimately ends up unfiltered in the Pacific Ocean. This is different from our sewer system which carries water from inside our homes to a wastewater treatment facility.

Rainwater will carry everything in its path to the ocean. Things like trash, automobile fluids, chemicals and animal waste get carried away by water in the street. Dumping these items into the stormdrain is unhealthy to our waterways and is also illegal. For example, did you know that one pint of motor oil can produce an oil slick of approximately one acre on the surface of water?

Call (714) 562-3655 if you have any immediate questions about how to prevent and remove pollutants from your home or business. Also, contact us if you see cloudy or colored water flowing in the street. Together, you and your neighbors can make a difference in keeping the City's waterways pollution free.

• Used Motor Oil
• Resources and Links
• Available Brochures & Posters
• Prevent Stormwater Pollution
• 2008 Water Quality Report
• WQMP Documents