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Regional Water Quality Control Plant - Working for a Cleaner Bay

Every drop of water we use ends up in San Francisco Bay, and it’s the job of the Regional Water Quality Control Plant to make sure it’s treated to remove pollutants before it gets there. Look here for tips on how to help.

We're all in it together.
The San Francisco Bay is part of your daily life. Every drop of water we use at home and work drains into San Francisco Bay — the defining landmark of our region. Wastewater travels from kitchens and bathrooms and is cleaned of biological wastes at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant before it's discharged to the Bay. Storm water from garden runoff and rain enters creeks and the Bay without treatment.

Wastewater and storm water carry pollutants from everyday activities like cooking, gardening, maintaining your car, and even spring-cleaning your garage and medicine cabinet. We've provided a few tips that will help keep pollutants out of the Bay — and make your home safer for your family.

Let Us Hear From You!
We appreciate receiving comments and suggestions from the community. Please take a moment to let us know how we can improve our services.

Recycled Water Information
Recycled water is wastewater that has been purified through a high level of treatment. Reducing the amount of treated wastewater discharged into the South Bay decreases the impacts on saltwater marshes.
( visit the water quality home page )
[more]

Storm Water Protection
All of the storm drains in the Regional Water Quality Control Plant's service area drain directly to local creeks and the Bay.
( more flood and storm information )
[more]

Regional Water Quality Control Plant
The RWQCP is committed to protecting our environment and Palo Alto's open spaces.
( visit the water quality home page )
[more]

Best Management Practices for Mercury
Eliminating the use of mercury can make the process safer for health care professionals, patients, and the environment.
( visit the environmental compliance home page )
[more]

Green Business Community Involvement
Green Business information you can use, whether you are a resident, business owner, local industry or employee.
( visit the environment in palo alto home page )
[more]

Fats, Oils and Grease - Overview
The discharge of fats, oils, and greases to the sanitary sewer system is an important environmental and public health issue.
( visit the environmental compliance home page )
[more]

Public Education and the Regional Water Quality Control Plant
Tours of the RWQCP are a popular educational tool used by schools, youth groups, and citizens.
( visit the water quality home page )
[more]

Mercury Pollution Prevention
San Francisco Bay is contaminated by mercury-an element used in many household items, which is also a potent human nerve toxin.
( visit the environmental compliance home page )
[more]

City of Palo Alto Water Reuse Program
The Water Reuse Program brings a reliable, sustainable and drought-proof supply of water to the South Bay and Santa Clara County.
( visit the water quality home page )
[more]

Vehicle Pollution Prevention
Residents and businesses need to do what they can to keep vehicle pollutants out of the environment.
( visit the environmental compliance home page )
[more]

San Francisquito Creek JPA
Works on flooding and environmental preservation
( for more information )
[more]

Reclaimed Water Pipeline Project
Information on the joint Palo Alto / Mountain View Reclaimed Water Pipeline Project
( visit the reclaimed water pipeline project page )
[more]

Less Toxic Pest Control
We want to change the way you think about pest control.
( pest prevention publications )
[more]

Preventing Pollution at Home
The Bay is closer than you think. Find out how to minimize your impact to the bay!
( visit the doing your part page )
[more]

New Amalgam Management, Requirements for Dental Practices
Because of the concerns with mercury in San Francisco Bay, the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) needs to reduce mercury discharges to the environment.
( learn about environmental compliance )
[more]

Fats, Oils and Grease - Restaurants
All food service facilities should be aware of the importance of installation and proper maintenance of grease removal devices.
( visit the environmental compliance home page )
[more]

Reporting Spills, Dumping, and Back-Ups
If you notice any unusual substance in or around a storm drain, or if you see someone dumping anything into the storm drain, street, or gutter, to local creeks or the Bay, or elsewhere in the outdoor environment, report it to us.
( visit the environmental compliance home page )
[more]

School Outreach Programs
Regional Water Quality Control Plant school outreach programs are available to teach your students about the pollution prevention.
( visit the water quality home page )
[more]

Fats, Oils and Grease - Grease Haulers
Many grease hauling companies have been caught illegally dumping grease from their clients' grease removal devices into sewer manholes or storm drains.
( visit the environmental compliance home page )
[more]

School Outreach Program

Educational Programs
Item Dated: 06/07/2006

High School Program
Item Dated: 06/07/2006

Wastewater treatment agencies

Bay Area Agencies Phone List
Item Dated: 06/06/2006

Water Quality Control Final Reports

Long Term Goals Study Phase 1 Final Report
Item Dated: 06/01/2006

Long Term Goals Study Phase 2 Final Report
Item Dated: 06/01/2006

Phase 1 Long Term Goals Study Workshop Minutes
Item Dated: 06/01/2006

Phase 2 Long Term Goals Study Workshop Minutes
Item Dated: 06/01/2006

Water reuse Program Public Meetings

Minutes from the November 19th meeting
Item Dated: 06/01/2006