The Stormwater and Water Quality Protection Program prevents, controls, and eliminates pollutants from entering the storm drain system. Because the storm drain system directs runoff to local creeks and not a treatment plant, runoff can carry pollutants and adversely affect local waterbodies. Stormwater runoff can collect a variety of pollutants, including trash, dirt, pet waste (bacteria), pesticides, and fertilizer. Irrigation runoff and power washing of surfaces can also collect and carry these pollutants when it is not raining.   

To comply with federal Clean Water Act regulations and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and the environment, the City of Vista's Stormwater and Water Quality Protection Program oversees different activities that help prevent and reduce stormwater pollution. Some program activities include the following:

• Inspection of businesses for compliance with pollution prevention requirements
• Prevention, detection, response, and enforcement of illegal discharges and spills
• Development plan review for compliance with pollution prevention and stormwater management
• Construction site erosion and sediment control inspections
• Public education and special events to encourage residential participation
• Monitoring and sampling of stormwater discharges

These activities are discussed in watershed and jurisdictional plans. Vista Municipal Code, Ch. 13.18 Stormwater Management and Discharge Control Program presents the prohibitions and authorities associated with these activities.

Report Stormwater Pollution  

City staff actively investigate reports of stormwater pollution. Pollutants such as trash, irrigation runoff, illegal dumping, and sediment/mud are prohibited from entering the storm drain system. Residents and businesses in Vista are encouraged to report incidents of stormwater pollution through the City of Vista’s online reporting tool.

The following alternatives are also available for reporting stormwater pollution:

• ACCESS VISTA Mobile App
• City of Vista Water Quality Hotline - P: 760.643.2804 or email: waterquality
• San Diego Region Project Clean Water website
• Broken water line or water waste, contact Vista Irrigation District at 760.597.3100 or www.vidwater.org

Contact

Stormwater & Water Quality Protection Program Hotline
P: 760.643.2804
E: waterquality

If you observe something being dumped into the storm drain or street or observe water running in the street when it is not raining, please report this to the Water Quality Hotline or use the Report a Problem form.