Soil and Sediment Erosion
Preventing soil and sediment erosion from entering our streets and storm drains helps protect our waterways from pollution! All sources of pollution, including soil and sediment erosion, are prohibited from leaving your property; only rainwater is allowed in the streets and storm drains.
Did you know…
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Runoff from properties can carry large amounts of soil and sediment. Although they are natural substances, these pollutants can negatively affect our water quality and harm aquatic life.
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Soil and sediment can harm aquatic life by reducing oxygen levels in the water, blocking sunlight that organisms need to live, filling in waterways, and inhibiting photosynthesis.
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Releasing pollutants directly or indirectly into the storm drain system is a violation of the County’s Watershed Protection Ordinance (WPO).
What can I do?
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Use Best Management Practices (BMPs): BMPs are techniques or controls used to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants, such as soil and sediment, into the storm drain system. BMPs for soil erosion include using mulch, planting ground cover, and conducting grading projects during the dry season.
Want to learn more?
The resources below provide suggested BMPs and further information on how to protect our waterways. Some resources have been translated to multiple languages. Please click the buttons to view available languages:
Know before you go…
Even though soil and sediment are natural, they can be detrimental to our waterways.
If you would like to report a soil or sediment concern, have questions about our program, or would like additional information call the County Storm Drain Pollution hotline at: 1(888) 846-0800 or e-mail us at watersheds@sdcounty.ca.gov
Thank you for doing your part to protect our waterways!
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