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Water Quality & Stormwater
The City of Temecula is committed to improving water quality by implementing programs that systematically reduce and eliminate pollutants from urban runoff before reaching our local creeks. These creeks historically receive untreated runoff from numerous storm drain systems throughout the city. Flows from each creek drain into the Santa Margarita River, which ultimately discharges into the Pacific Ocean. Urban runoff pollutants include:
- Fertilizer
- Grease
- Oil
- Paint
- Pesticide
- Pet waste
- Sediment
- Trash, etc.
Illegal Discharges
Discharges of any substance, including over-irrigation, resulting in runoff into the City street or storm drain system other than rainwater are prohibited by City ordinance 8.28.200 and are punishable by fines up to $1,000.00 per day per violation. Businesses and residents are encouraged to visit the RCWD Outdoor Water Use Efficiency website for tips to adjust irrigation and conserve water. Citizens are encouraged to report any observed illegal discharges to the City using the NPDES Hotline.
NPDES Hotline
If you observe illegal discharges you may report them online, or call us at 951-694-6411 during business hours, and at 800-506-2555 after business hours.
EPA Regulations
To effectively address this issue, the City adopted EPA's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations as part of the City's Water Quality Program and Sustainability Program to reduce pollutants in urban runoff and in storm water.
To effectively address this issue, the City adopted EPA's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations as part of the City's Water Quality Program and Sustainability Program to reduce pollutants in urban runoff and in storm water.
As part of the NPDES regulations, the City of Temecula was issued a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. This State Permit places pollution prevention requirements on planned developments, construction sites, commercial and industrial businesses, municipal facilities and activities, and residential communities.
Water Quality Program
The City's Water Quality Program includes, but is not limited to:- Assisting the development community in plan review so they comply with post-construction Water Quality Management Plan requirements
- Conducting outreach and public education
- Eliminating illegal discharges
- Identifying pollutant sources
- Inspecting businesses and construction sites
- Monitoring water quality
- Promoting Best Management Practices (BMPs)
References
- City of Temecula Jurisdictional Runoff Management Plan 2018 (JRMP) (PDF): This document describes the City's urban runoff management programs implemented to comply with the requirements of the NPDES MS4 Permit.
- City of Temecula Storm Water Ordinance: This Ordinance (TMC Title 8.28) outlines the City's NPDES requirements in accordance with the NPDES MS4 Permit.
- NPDES MS4 Permit: This Permit outlines the City's water quality requirements mandated by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board.
- Stormwater Best Management Practices Handbooks: The City adopted these handbooks as BMP standards for new developments, construction sites, industrial and commercial businesses, and municipal activities.
- Santa Margarita River Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP): The ultimate goal of the WQIP is to protect, preserve, enhance, and restore water quality of receiving water bodies. These improvements in water quality will be accomplished through an adaptive planning and management process that identifies the highest priority water quality conditions within the watershed and implements strategies to address them.