What's the latest

Microplastics
What are microplastics and what can we do about them?

Free Distance-Learning Watershed STEM lessons
Need some more educational resources for your children? Visit our schools page for free virtual lessons about our local ecosystems.

Safe Disposal for Sharps and Medicine
Find out where to properly dispose of your old, used, or unwanted medications and sharps.

Find a Recreational Vehicle (RV) Sewage Disposal Site

Quick Information
» Report hazardous spills, illegal dumping, storm drain blockages, sanitary sewer backups or overflows in your community
 

WHAT IS THE REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL PLANT?

The Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) protects San Francisco Bay by treating wastewater from its service area and works with residents, industry and businesses to prevent pollution before it starts. The RWQCP is owned and operated by the City of Palo Alto and serves its partner communities of the East Palo Alto Sanitary District, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Stanford University.

Check out the two art pieces that Artist Martin Webb created for the RWQCP!

Stormwater

Stormwater is runoff generated when precipitation flows over land or impervious surfaces (streets, parking lots, building rooftops, etc.) without infiltrating into the ground.

This runoff picks up pollutants as it flows into storm drains, leading directly into creeks and the San Francisco Bay. Storm drain systems are separate from sanitary sewers and flow into our watershed without any treatment. During heavy rainfall, excess runoff causes flooding to occur.

For more information:

• Map of storm drain watersheds within the City of Palo Alto.
• Learn about the City’s Stormwater Management Fee for flood protection, creek maintenance and more services.
• Visit Green Streets for tips on green stormwater features like rain gardens and rain barrels.
• Stormwater Rebates for Palo Alto residents.
• Find out how the City is adopting Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)