Clean & Healthy Creeks

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Stormwater partners meet monthly in Morgan Hill with the latest agenda available: November 2023 South County Stormwater Agenda (PDF).

If you see anything other than clean rain water entering a storm drain, please call
408-776-7333.

Where Does Runoff Go?

Water used inside your home is connected to a sewer system and treated at the South County Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. In comparison, water outside your home flows into a stormdrain and goes untreated directly into our local creeks and, ultimately, into the ocean. A stormdrain is located at the end of most street blocks and is commonly mistaken as a sewer.

Our nearby wildlife, plants, and humans are dependent upon these bodies of water for habitat, livelihood, and recreation. Unfortunately, the stormwater runoff from our urban Cityscape that enters the local watershed is often polluted by pesticides, fertilizers, litter, pet waste, motor oil, eroded soil, and household chemicals.

How Urban Runoff Gets into Our WaterwaysPhoto Credit: Town of Maynard, Massachusetts

Common Sources of Storm Water Pollution

  • Antifreeze
  • Fertilizers and pesticides
  • Fluid leaks from vehicles
  • Household cleaners
  • Motor oil
  • Overwatering landscapes
  • Paint
  • Pet waste left on lawns and streets
  • Smog from vehicles
  • Soap and dirt from washing vehicles
  • Weed killers
  • Yard Waste

Save Our Water, Creeks & Bay Now

Educational Resources

Brochures and other informational materials describing how you can prevent stormwater pollution are available for business owners, residents, home gardeners, teachers, and students to download at My Watershed website.

  • City: Visit the Stormwater and Urban Runoff Management webpage for more information and requirements for construction and post-construction requirements. 
  • Region: Valley Water has an extensive outreach program that includes teacher training seminars, highly-regarded classroom programs, and curriculum materials available online. 
  • State: The City's stormwater program is operated in compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit.
  • National: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website includes Water Education training activities for kids.
West Little Llagas Creek at Centennial Recreation Center