OC O&M - Catch Basins
Catch Basins:
Drains
The County of Orange has over 130 miles of underground storm drain facilities. The
Operations & Maintenance Division is responsible for inspection, maintenance and
repair of the storm drain system in the public right-of-way and in drainage easements.
This includes clearing blocked drains, removing debris from storm drain structures,
and cleaning and repairing damaged drainpipes.
Storm drains are designed to handle normal water flow, but occasionally during heavy
rain, flooding will occur. Our goal is to limit the number of flooding incidents
by keeping the drains clear with regular maintenance and cleaning.
STORMWATER & CATCH BASIN POLLUTION
WHAT IS STORMWATER POLLUTION?
Stormwater pollution is urban runoff water that has picked up pollutants as it flows
through the storm drain system-a network of channels, gutters and pipes that collect
runoff from city streets, neighborhoods, farms, construction sites and parking lots-and
empties directly into local waterways.
Unlike sewage, which goes to treatment plants, urban runoff flows untreated through
the storm drain system. Anything thrown, swept or poured into the street, gutter
or a catch basin-the curbside openings that lead into the storm drain system-can
flow directly into our channels, creeks, bays and ocean. This includes pollutants
like trash, pet waste, cigarette butts, motor oil, anti-freeze, runoff from pesticides
and fertilizers, paint from brushes and containers rinsed in the gutter and toxic
household chemicals.
To report a storm drain problem, you may submit a service request or contact
the Operations & Maintenance office at
 (714)
567-6300.
How Stormwater Pollution Affects County Residents.
Contaminated urban runoff is an uncontrolled nonpoint source of pollution into local
waters, and may contribute to beach closures. Litter, leaves and other debris can
clog catch basins, causing flooding when it rains.
How Stormwater Pollution Affects County Businesses.
Stormwater pollution may contribute to beach closures, which hurt local businesses,
tourism and Orange County's image as a desirable place to live and work. It is illegal
for businesses without a permit to discharge wastewater or other materials into
the storm drain system.
The Effect on the Ocean
Non-point source pollution can have a serious impact on water quality in Orange
County. Pollutants from the storm drain system can harm marine life as well as coastal
and wetland habitats. They can also degrade recreation areas such as beaches, harbors
and bays.
Stormwater quality management programs have been developed by the Orange County
Stormwater Program under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permits. The program educates and encourages the public to protect water quality,
monitor runoff in the storm drain system, manage NPDES permit process for municipalities,
investigate illegal disposals, and maintain storm drains.
The support of Orange County residents, businesses and industries is needed to improve
water quality and reduce the threat of stormwater and urban runoff pollution. Proper
use and disposal of materials we use everyday will help stop this form of pollution
before it reaches the storm drain and the ocean.
Orange County 24-Hour Water Pollution Problem Reporting Hotline
877-897-7455
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