Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program

The City of Palo Alto Stormwater Program helps reduce pollution in local creeks and the San Francisco Bay. The City is required under regional, state, and federal regulations to implement stormwater pollution prevention programs laid out in the San Francisco Bay Municipal Regional NPDES Permit (MRP).

Unlike wastewater, stormwater is not treated. This means that only rain should flow into storm drains, and everyone in the city has a role in preventing stormwater pollution. The Stormwater Program enforces Palo Alto Municipal Codes and promotes pollution prevention practices through outreach and education, inspection programs, green stormwater infrastructure, and stormwater rebates. Many of these programs are funded by the Stormwater Management Fee.

Annual reports

Stormwater Annual Report 2022-2023(PDF, 12MB)

Stormwater Annual Report 2021-2022(PDF, 2MB)