What is the Storm Drain System?  

Stormwater systems are designed to collect and convey stormwater runoff. The system includes a combination of inlets, channels, and underground pipes that collect runoff and discharge to our local creeks. When rainwater flows over pavement surfaces and landscaping, it collects materials such as trash, debris, and sediment. Storm drain pipes must be clear of obstruction and breaks to prevent localized flooding and damage to property.

» Download our Private Storm Drain Maintenance Guide    (Spanish)

The storm drain system consists of both publicly-owned (City of Vista) and privately-owned systems. Vista Municipal Code Chapter 13.18.100 (Maintenance Requirements) requires that storm drain systems be maintained to ensure the continued functionality of those systems.

Storm drains owned by the City of Vista are typically located in City-owned areas, such as under public streets, in parks, or on other public facilities, and are maintained by the City. For example, Public Works staff inspect inventoried storm drain inlets annually, and remove material or make repairs as necessary.

Unless identified in legal documents for a property, the maintenance of storm drains located on private property typically falls to the owner of that property.

• To develop an understanding of the storm drain system on your property, follow the path that rain water flows through your property and look for where water enters a drain or pipe. Stormwater Atlas Maps are available and may help identify the storm drain system in your area. Email waterquality if you have any questions regarding ownership of the storm drain pipeline on your property.
  
  
• Inspection, repair, or cleaning of underground structures and pipelines require a special OSHA-required confined space equipment and training. The most practical option may be to contract with a sewer-cleaning contractor to perform the inspection, repair, and/or cleaning.
  
  
• Keep inlets on your property free of debris. The best way to protect water quality and save on cleaning costs is to prevent materials such as trash, debris, and sediment from entering your storm drain system.
  
  
• A good maintenance practice is to have storm drains and pipelines flushed/jetted and inspected with professional video equipment prior to the first rainstorm to make sure the system is free of trash and debris and functioning properly. If low flows are observed at the pipe outlet during heavy rains or recurring observation of debris is noticed then more frequent preventative inspections are recommended.
  
  
• Remove trash, sediment, and debris from your storm drain system on a regular basis, including removal of debris from gutters, ditches, inlets, or pipes, to ensure water can flow through the system freely. Dispose of as solid waste.

• Repair or replace pipes when a dent or break close more than 20 percent of the pipe diameter.
  
  
• Repair or replace pipes damaged by rust or deterioration.
   
• If your repair requires any excavation, call 811 and notify DigAlert a minimum of two working days, not including the date of notification, and request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked so that you don’t unintentionally dig into a separate underground utility line.

• Be aware of any drainage easements. Do not construct structures in the easement.
  
  
• Properties developed later than the mid-2000s often have vegetated swales, basins, or landscaping on them to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. These facilities may require specific maintenance activities, so please contact the City of Vista if you have any questions.

Contact Us 

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: 760.643.2804 or use the online Report a Problem form, or by email: waterquality.