When it rains in Wildomar, rainwater runs off rooftops, parking lots, driveways, lawns, cars, streets, and open land. Depending on its location in the City, this rainwater runoff (or stormwater runoff) drains to Lake Elsinore or to the Murrieta Creek, either by surface flows or through a storm drain system. The Murrieta Creek drains to the Santa Margarita River which ultimately drains to the Pacific Ocean. Stormwater runoff carries with it all the pollutants it encounters. This runoff does not go to a sanitary sewer system or a treatment plant but is discharged directly to a waterbody without any treatment. In addition, water runoff that is not attributed to rain (also known as non-stormwater runoff) such as irrigation runoff, car washing runoff, or power washing runoff, also carries pollutants to downstream waterbodies. These pollutants can affect the quality of water in the waterbodies and limit beneficial uses of the waterbodies (such as swimming, fishing, drinking water, etc…). A visual representation of how stormwater runoff drains is provided below.
To address these sources of pollution in stormwater and non-stormwater runoff, the City of Wildomar implements a stormwater pollution program, referred to as a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. This page includes information regarding the City’s NPDES Program and how it applies to members of the Wildomar community.
Report an Issue
To report a Stormwater Pollution Violation such as over-irrigation runoff, illicit connections to the storm drain system, or illegal discharges, please use the links below or contact the following:
- During Business Hours: 951-677-7751
- After Hours: 951-677-7751 x5
- Urgent After Hours Reports (non-emergency): 951-776-1099
- Via Email: [email protected]
Watershed Map
Click here to view an interactive watershed map for all of Riverside County, including Wildomar. Type in your address to find out in which watershed your property is located.
Authority and Regulations
The City’s NPDES Program is mandated and regulated by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region (Regional Board), per their Order No. R9-2013-0001, as amended by R9-2015-0001 and R9-2015-0100 issued by (NPDES Permit).
The City enforces the requirements of the NPDES Program through it’s “Stormwater Drainage System Protection” Ordinance (Chapter 13.12 of the Wildomar Municipal Code).
In general, all non-stormwater discharges to the City’s streets and storm drain system are prohibited unless otherwise allowed by the NPDES Permit. A summary of prohibited and exempt discharges is located in Provision E.2.a of the NPDES Permit.
Over-irrigation that results in runoff of water into the City street or storm drain system is strictly prohibited.
Information for Residents
Below is a list of common household activities that usually result in water runoff or when mixed with rainwater may result in stormwater pollution. If these activities are not properly managed, the runoff from these activities may be considered prohibited and violations of the City’s ordinances. For a full list of prohibited discharges, please see Provision E.2.a of the NPDES Permit.
Use a commercial car wash; commercial car washes are required to properly dispose of wastewater and many filter and recycle their water.
If washing your car at home consider the following actions:
1. Wash your car on a pervious surface such as grass or gravel (not concrete or asphalt) so water is filtered before reaching a water body.
2. Use nontoxic, phosphate-free soaps.
3. Use soap sparingly.
4. Minimize runoff by reducing water use, using a spray nozzle to restrict water flow.
5. Wring out sponges and rags over the bucket or in a sink, not the ground.
6. Empty wash water into the sink or toilet, or the grass if you wish to dispose of it outside.
7. Use waterless car wash products for spot-cleaning or a car wash kit, which redirects water from storm drains.
Additional Guidelines for Outdoor Cleaning Activities
Get Involved
Learn about ways in which you can help protect and improve water quality.
Click here for more information
Information for Businesses and Property Owners
As part of the NPDES Program, the City is required to and performs compliance inspections for businesses in the City of Wildomar that have the potential to cause or contribute to stormwater pollution. A list of business categories that require these Stormwater Compliance Inspections is included in the link below. When a business, operating in one of these categories in the City of Wildomar and providing their services at a fixed location in the City, applies for a Business Registration, a stormwater compliance inspection fee will be collected.
Minimum Required Best Management Practices (BMPs)
The City requires minimum best management practices (BMPs) be implemented at all businesses, where applicable, to minimize stormwater pollution. The City verifies that these minimum BMPs are being implemented during a stormwater compliance inspection for a business.
Minimum BMPs for Industrial/Commercial Facilities
Information, Tips, and Guidelines
Click or tap here to access helpful information and guidelines regarding how businesses can best manage their activities so that they don’t cause or contribute to stormwater pollution.
Property Owners with Water Quality Management Plans
Some properties in Wildomar have Water Quality Management Plans (WQMP)– a plan that’s prepared during the development of a site that identifies the activity restrictions/practices and onsite infrastructure designed to reduce pollution and treat stormwater runoff before it leaves the site. Property owners with WQMPs are required to implement and maintain their WQMP. The City performs inspections for these WQMPs to ensure that they are being implemented and maintained. For questions regarding the content or frequency of the City’s WQMP Inspections, contact the Public Works Department.
Information for Developers and Engineers
Information for Contractors
All construction sites, regardless of size or area disturbed, are required to implement construction best management practices (BMPs) to ensure that the site does not cause or contribute to stormwater pollution. A list of minimum BMPs required by the City for construction sites is included below. Sites that disturb one or more acres of soil during construction are required to obtain coverage under the State’s Construction General Permit. A link to the State’s website for the Construction General Permit is provided below, for more information.
Information, Tips, and Guidelines
Click or tap here to access helpful information and guidelines regarding how businesses can best manage their activities so that they don’t cause or contribute to stormwater pollution.
Document Library
Resources and Links
More Information
For more information about the City's NPDES Program, please contact:
Jason Farag
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 951-677-7751 x219
Mail: 23873 Clinton Keith Rd., Suite 201, Wildomar, CA 92595