Cows, horses and other livestock are commonplace in watersheds outside of the City. Rain can carry the feces of these animals to the Ventura or Santa Clara River and on to the ocean. Birds, dogs and illegal encampments are also possible sources. These isolated instances may seem insignificant, but when compounded with thousands of other sources, stormwater pollution results. Pollution is also created during the first rainfall of the season.
Rain creates slippery streets by lifting and transporting motor oil and other pollutants.
These pollutants are carried directly to the ocean without any treatment. The same is true when you wash your car or driveway and the dirty water runs down the street or when you overwater your lawn and runoff goes into the gutter. Urban storm drain systems are designed to prevent flooding by transporting water directly to the ocean and do so without any filtration or treatment. Ventura has a Stormwater Quality Program, which focuses on reducing pollution that may contribute to unsafe beach conditions. We have programs for safe construction practices, safe business practices, illicit discharge inspections, street sweeping and regular maintenance of the storm drain system.