Stormwater

Stormwater is defined by the US EPA as the runoff generated when precipitation from rain or snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces without infiltrating into the ground.

In natural systems— when rainwater falls onto the ground, it infiltrates into the soil where it is then stored in underground aquifers. However, urban areas today have many paved surfaces, such as streets, parking lots and building rooftops, that prevent this infiltration and causes runoff. The runoff picks up pollutants along these paved surfaces as it flows into storm drains, which directs them into creeks and the San Francisco Bay. Storm drains are separate systems from sanitary sewers and flow into our watershed without any treatment. There are four primary watersheds in Palo Alto (San Francisquito, Matadero, Barron, and Adobe). See a map of storm drain watersheds within the City of Palo Alto.

During heavy rainfall, excess runoff causes flooding to occur. Learn more about the City’s Stormwater Management Fee for flood protection, creek maintenance and more services. Want to learn more on how you can live in a creek friendly neighborhood? Get tips on green storm water features like rain gardens and rain barrels. Visit Green Streets for more information. Rebates are also available for installing rain barrels, permeable pavement, rain catchment cisterns, and green roofs. These beautiful and practical home improvements filter pollution and reduce stormwater runoff.

SMOKING ORDINANCE CHANGE

The City of Palo Alto recently took additional steps to protect public health and reduce litter by expanding the City's Smoking Ordinance. The revised ordinance prohibits smoking in multi-family housing (inside, common areas and buffer areas or sidewalks) and places restrictions on the sale of tobacco products. Smoking restrictions remain for outdoor commercial areas, outdoor dining areas, public events, work sites and service locations.