Stormwater

About Stormwater & Urban Runoff

Stormwater is precipitation, including rain, hail, and snow. Urban runoff is stormwater that doesn’t seep into the ground but ‘runs off’ through streets, parking lots and other parts of the storm drain system eventually flowing into the nearest stream, creek, river, lake, or ocean. The runoff is not treated in any way.


Stormwater Pollution

Everything that flows down the street and enters the storm drain system eventually empties into the Santa Ana River without being cleaned at treatment plants. Anything that flows through the system, besides rainwater, is called stormwater pollution. This runoff is the largest source of pollution in our nation's waterways. Unlike the sewer system, this polluted stormwater receives no treatment and flows directly into our local streams and rivers.		StormwaterPollution

Program Purpose

Environmental Code Compliance is primarily responsible for the implementation of the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. The goals of the program are to educate residents, business owners and developers in Fontana on local stormwater pollution issues and Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs); control discharges to storm drains; reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff; reduce impacts of increased runoff from new development and promote on-site rainwater retention and infiltration.

NPDES Program

In accordance with the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board developed the NPDES Permit and Waste Discharge Requirements Order No. R8-2010-0036 (MS4 Permit) for the San Bernardino County Flood Control District, the County of San Bernardino, and the incorporated cities of San Bernardino County within the Santa Ana Region. 

This MS4 Permit requires the City of Fontana to perform the following: 

  • Create and enforce ordinances.
  • Inspect commercial and industrial businesses identified as potential stormwater polluters and enforce the NPDES Permit regulations
  • Ensure new development is built using Low Impact Development (LID) techniques. 
  • Educate developers, contractors, business owners, residents, and municipal employees on Stormwater BMPs. 
  • Maintain and control municipal facilities.

Report Pollution

If you see someone dumping materials in the street or storm drain system, call the City of Fontana Police Department at (909) 350-7700.

  1. Reducing Stormwater Pollution
  2. Resources

Ways To Help

  • Use your refuse, recycling, and green waste containers instead of littering in the street.
  • Rinse water-based paint out of brushes and rollers in the sink, not in the street.
  • Avoid using pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers when possible. If you must use yard chemicals, apply only as directed and never right before a storm.
  • Wash your car where the water and soap won't flow to the street, or take your car to a car wash.
  • Use a broom, instead of a hose, to clean your paved driveway, sidewalks, and streets.
  • Pick up after your pets.
  • Repair leaks on your vehicles.
  • Take hazardous waste, such as used motor oil and filters, automotive fluids, yard chemicals, and paints to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.