The City’s Stormwater Quality Program is designed to keep our waterways clean.

Water from our toilets and sinks is carried in the sanitary sewer system to the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. However, urban runoff in our storm drain system travels directly to our neighborhood creeks and the American River without treatment. This means that oil and grease from our cars and roadways, excess fertilizers from our lawns, and soapy residue could enter our creeks and river every day.

The city works to combat urban runoff pollution. Since 1990, we’ve been a partner in the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership, along with the County of Sacramento and the Cities of Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Galt, and Rancho Cordova. Together, we are implementing a comprehensive program to protect the health of our creeks and rivers. The program involves public outreach, construction and industrial controls, water quality monitoring, and more.

The Public Works Streets Division operates and maintains an extensive storm drainage system, including 190 miles of pipe, 23 miles of natural drainage channels and creeks, 30 flood control and/or water quality detention basins, and more than 200 outfalls to creeks and rivers. The storm drains are inspected and cleaned between May and October of each year.

The City of Folsom actively participates in the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership (SSQP).  The SSQP is multi-jurisdictional program including Sacramento County and the incorporated cities of Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, and Rancho Cordova. Among the goals and responsibilities of the SSQP are the following:

• Educate and inform the public about urban runoff pollution.
• Encourage public participation in community and clean-up events.
• Work with industries and businesses to encourage pollution prevention.
• Require construction activities to reduce erosion and pollution.
• Require developing projects to include pollution controls that will continue to operate after construction is complete.

For additional information and resources, please visit https://www.beriverfriendly.net/

What Watershed Do I Live In?

Use our creek map to find out where runoff from your neighborhood goes. Then visit your local creek and explore the trails on foot or bike to see firsthand the natural beauty we are trying to protect.

Creek Map

How Does Water Pollution Occur?

Runoff water from our urban environment enters the American River every day. This water can carry pollutants directly to our rivers without treatment, where the pollutants can harm fish and wildlife and make the waterways unhealthy.

Runoff is generated in two ways.

1. As stormwater hits the ground during a rain event, it travels in streets and gutters to storm drain pipes or channels, picking up pollutants (including oil and grease from cars) accumulated on our streets and other paved surfaces.
2. We generate water in the course of everyday activities at work and home. This water, including excess runoff from lawn watering, dirty rinse water from washing down buildings and pavement, and wastewater from concrete work and painting, also makes its way into our storm drain pipes. From here, the polluted water empties into local creeks and rivers. Even pollution in the air ends up in our waterways after it rains.

How Can We Prevent Pollution and Protect Our Environment?

Here’s what you can do to help prevent water pollution in Folsom:

• Household Hazardous Waste
  
  • Properly dispose of waste through Folsom's convenient service.
  • Use the least toxic products for cleaning and garden maintenance.
  • Clean latex paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors.
• Automotive
  
  • Maintain your vehicle to keep fluids from dripping onto the pavement.
  • Properly dispose of auto fluids and batteries.
  • When washing your car, use as little water and soap as possible to reduce runoff and pollution. Better yet, use a commercial car wash.
• Landscaping, Gardening and Construction
  
  • Inform your landscape, construction and pool contractor about proper methods to prevent pollution.
  • Sweep surfaces before hosing down to keep debris out of the storm drain.
  • Consider safer alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Use sparingly and not before rain.
  • Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
  • To properly drain pools, spas and fountains, follow the tips on the city's website.
• Pets
  • Pick up pet waste from yards or streets to prevent harmful bacteria from entering our waterways.

Preserving Creeks Today for Tomorrow 

Addressing Drainage Problems Around Your Home

See the drainage information fact sheet that has been prepared to assist homeowners with common drainage problems that may be encountered around their home.