Storm Drains

Storm drains in San Diego are not a part of the wastewater system. This important distinction means that materials emptied into storm drains do not go to a wastewater treatment facility. Whatever enters the storm drain system from City streets - such as oil from automobiles, fertilizers from yard runoff and dirty water from washed cars - empties directly into the nearest body of water, such as the San Diego River or the Pacific Ocean.

Currently, the one exception is the Mission Bay Sewer Interceptor System. This system operates during dry weather to divert storm drain flows away from Mission Bay and into the sewer system for treatment and disposal at the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant.

For more information, visit the Storm Water Pollution Program web page.