Storm Water Management

Picture of water ponds

The City of Murrieta operates a storm drain system that protects homes, businesses and other developments from flooding. When it rains, the storm drain system collects and carries water from our streets and roadways and picks up any pollutants along the way. Pollutants like oil, grease, paint, pet waste, fertilizer, pesticides and trash, pollute the rain water which discharges directly into local creeks, the Santa Margarita River and ultimately into the Pacific Ocean. This polluted rain water, known as storm water runoff, is not treated and degrades the water quality of our waterways.

To regulate the water quality of our watershed, the City of Murrieta operates the storm drain system under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit issued by the San Diego Water Quality Control Board.

Under this MS4 Permit, all discharges, including over-irrigation, is considered an illegal discharge, unless there is coverage under a separate permit, or the discharge is regulated. All illegal discharges contain pollutants and are subject to enforcement actions under the City of Murrieta’s Storm Water and Runoff Management and Discharge Controls Ordinance, Chapter 8.36.

In order to maintain the water quality of our waterways, the City also encourages the conservation of water. Water is a valuable resource and minimizing water waste also helps to reduce illegal discharges.

To Report Illegal Dumping and Illicit Discharges (Including Over-Irrigation) Within the City:

  • Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. call Code Enforcement: 951-461-6330.
  • After hours, call the Non-Emergency Dispatch Number: 951-696-3615.

To Report Over-Irrigation on City Maintained Landscaping from City Facilities, Parks, Parkways and Medians: 

To Report Illegal Dumping and Illicit Discharges (Including Over-Irrigation) Outside the City and Within Riverside County:

Bulk Trash and Hazardous Waste Management:

  • For home pick up, click here or call 800-423-9986
  • For hazardous waste drop off (antifreeze, batteries, oil and filters, and latex and oil-based paint only), click here or call 951-486-3200

Development Planning

  • For information on the Water Quality Management Plan, Click Here

 Information Brochures for Residents

Information Brochures for Businesses

Construction Discharge Management

References