About Us

The Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership (SSQP) is a multi-jurisdictional
program made up of Sacramento County and the incorporated cities of Sacramento,
Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, and Rancho Cordova, educating and
encouraging the community to protect local waterways from the impacts of urban
run-off, which flows untreated from storm drains to creeks, streams and rivers.

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is rain that flows over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. In urban areas less rain is able to infiltrate into the ground, thus creating urban runoff and picking up pollutants along the way. Stormwater carries pollutants such as trash, pet waste, and garden chemicals into nearby storm drains, which eventually flows into waterways untreated. This harms the quality of our waterways.

Learn more

Ways to Protect Water

We need your help to protect our local waters!

Water pollution primarily comes from residents and you
are the most important solution to stormwater pollution.
Learn how you can help prevent stormwater pollution
and improve our community.

Get Involved

Mercury

Mercury is very toxic to people and wildlife, and some of its uses have resulted in widespread contamination of the environment. Let’s work together to protect and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and throughout the community for our enjoyment now…and for our children’s enjoyment in the future.

Stop pollution at the source:

Learn more
Mercury

Pesticides

Using less or non-toxic alternatives in your garden is important for a healthy garden, the beneficial bugs, our waterways, and our ecosystem. Let’s work together to protect and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and throughout the community for our enjoyment now…and for our children’s enjoyment in the future.

Stop pollution at the source:

Learn more
Pesticides

Pet Waste

When pet waste is improperly disposed of, it can be picked up by stormwater runoff and washed into storm drains then directly to the river without being treated. Let’s work together to protect and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and throughout the community for our enjoyment now…and for our children’s enjoyment in the future.

Stop pollution at the source:

Learn more
Pet Waste

Trash

Litter from sidewalks, streets, parking lots, and nature areas eventually find its way into our rivers. Let’s work together to protect and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and throughout the community for our enjoyment now…and for our children’s enjoyment in the future.

Stop pollution at the source:

Learn more
Trash
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  • Trash

Events Calendar

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Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
February
February
February
February
February
1
  • RCWA – Ali’s Friday Arcade Crk Cleanup
    09:00 -12:00
    03/01/2024

    This series of cleanups are being made possible by a Watershed Stewardship and Education Grant awarded by the Sacramento County Stormwater Quality Program. We would like to sincerely thank the County for funds needed to keep our volunteers properly equipped.
    We will continue to partner with Arcade Creek – Adopt A Creek Project to focus on another infamously trashed stretch of this 16.2 mile creek. We will be visiting a new spot, upstream from Ali’s adopted section, as we inch up toward Lilia’s adopted sections in the City of Citrus Heights. The cleanup area is upstream from Keoncrest where we performed numerous cleanups last year, and downstream from Greenback Lane.
    We will park at the far back of the Hidden Oaks Apartment Complex by their little dog park, gear up, and walk to Arcade Creek from there. Please arrive on time as the complex is fairly expansive and the route to our meeting spot could be confusing.
    Please bring water and only do what you are comfortable doing. As always, you can leave whenever you want or need.
    This cleanup will have some challenging access spots into the creek and may require a rope to get into the channel, however, there are some flat spots as well for easy pickin’.
    The event will range in difficulty from moderate to hard and may not be suitable for children under the age of 16. There will be something for almost everyone as we will be cleaning in the creek and up above, on land.
    We will provide bags, but please bring along your sturdy WATERPROOF footwear, grabbers, buckets, and gloves – a limited number of loaner buckets and grabbers may be available. There will be water in the creek, fairly deep in a few spots. Participants will be required to wear rain boots or waders if they intend to get into the water. The water is quite chilly this time of year. Entry into any waters is always optional.
    As with all events shared on our Page, participation is performed solely at your own risk. Please place safety FIRST and do only what you feel comfortable doing. Moreover, participants will be required to sign a Release and Waiver form if they have not done so previously.
    Overall, be safe, have fun and get some “Exercise with a Purpose”!, as Bill Templin says. Thank you! 
    Arcade Creek Adopt-A-Creek Project
    https://www.facebook.com/ArcadeCreekAACP
2
  • Elk Grove Anti-Trash – Bilby Plus! Part 2
    09:00 -10:30
    03/02/2024

    By popular vote, we will finish what we started! We had excellent results on February 17 near this spot, so let’s keep going westward and show our EGAT volunteer spirit.
    We will expect areas that are wet, muddy (drainage ditches), grassy, and lined with shrubs.
    High viz clothing or vests   are required.
    New to cleanups? Please arrive early to get signed in and get gear. If you have supplies, please bring your own gloves, buckets, bags, and vests, but we have items for you. Buckets, gloves, grabbers, vests, bags.
    Please wear appropriate clothing, boots 🥾 or closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hats, and bring your own water.
    All cleanups are done at your own risk, but safety first! Our trash safety talk starts promptly at 9:00 am.
    See you soon!!
    Let’s Clean Elk Grove together!
  • RCWA – Arcade Crk Cleanup at Norwood (3.0)
    09:00 -12:00
    03/02/2024

    Our apologies, but this will be an 18 and Over Event due to numerous active encampments in the area.
    With recent high waters now receding, we plan to continue with this new area of Arcade Creek to remove soaked and muddy trash and debris campers did not move out of harm’s way when waters were higher. This event will be conducted in coordination with American River Flood Control District who has graciously agreed to haul off all of the trash and encampment debris we pile up. And this will also be a BIG one.
    Sturdy, waterproof boots,long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Folks desiring to enter the creek will need hip or chest waders. This will be an easy to difficult level event with uneven terrain.
    RCWA will provide bags, but please bring along your grabbers, buckets, and gloves – a limited number of loaner buckets and grabbers may be available.
    As with all events shared on RCWA, participation is performed solely at your own risk. Please place safety FIRST and do only what you feel comfortable doing. Moreover, participants will be required to sign a Release and Waiver form if they have not done so previously.
    Overall, be safe, have fun and get some “Exercise with a Purpose” as Bill Templin says.
    Thank you!
    River City Waterway Alliance
    “Restoring & Protecting Our Waterways”
    Instagram @RiverCityWaterwayAlliance
3
  • RCWA – Cordova Crk Cleanup w/ Soil Born Farms
    09:00 -12:00
    03/03/2024

    River City Waterway Alliance is co-hosting with Soil Born Farms to help get this beautiful creek clean from litter and debris lining banks and surrounding areas.
    This area is flat and grassy, but will be muddy from the recent rains. The banks of the creek are low and shallow, making this an easy access cleanup for most folks. We will need folks in the water so please bring along your waders if you got ’em. If not, there will be plenty of other trash to tackle.
    Please park and meet at the Soil Born Farms parking lot where we will gather and have our pre-cleanup meeting.
    We will provide bags, but please bring along your sturdy footwear, grabbers, buckets, and gloves – a limited number of loaner buckets and grabbers may be available. There might be water in some sections of the cleanup area. Participants will be required to wear rain boots or waders if they intend to get into the water. Entry into any waters is always optional.
    As with all events shared on RCWA, participation is performed solely at your own risk. Please place safety FIRST and do only what you feel comfortable doing. Moreover, participants will be required to sign a Release and Waiver form if they have not done so previously.
    Overall, be safe, have fun and get some “Exercise with a Purpose”!
    Thank you!
    River City Waterway Alliance
    “Restoring & Protecting Our Waterways”
    Instagram @RiverCityWaterwayAlliance
    Link to Events:
4
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7
  • RCWA – Deborah’s Northgate Cleanup
    09:00 -12:00
    03/07/2024

    Park at Camp Pollock
    Deborah will lead us through her adopted spot. This will be a maintenance mode cleanup starting at the entrance to Camp Pollock and cleaning the roads, trails, woodlands, and abandoned camps, nearby.
    Sturdy shoes/boots are recommended. This will be a easy level event with a short walk. RCWA will provide bags, but please bring along your grabbers, buckets, and gloves – a limited number of loaner buckets and grabbers may be available.
    AGE LIMIT: This event is not suitable for minors under 16 years old. Minors older than 16 are invited, but must be supervised by a responsible adult.
    As with all events shared on RCWA, participation is performed solely at your own risk. Please place safety FIRST and do only what you feel comfortable doing. Moreover, participants will be required to sign a Release and Waiver form if they have not done so previously.
    Overall, be safe, have fun and get some “Exercise with a Purpose” as Bill Templin says.
    Thank you!
    River City Waterway Alliance
    “Restoring & Protecting Our Waterways”
    Instagram @RiverCityWaterwayAlliance
    Link to Events:
    https://www.facebook.com/rivercitywaterwayalliance/events
    Link to YouTube Channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/@rivercitywaterway
8
  • RCWA – Ali’s Friday Arcade Crk Cleanup
    09:00 -12:00
    03/08/2024

    This series of cleanups are being made possible by a Watershed Stewardship and Education Grant awarded by the Sacramento County Stormwater Quality Program. We would like to sincerely thank the County for funds needed to keep our volunteers properly equipped.
    We will continue to partner with Arcade Creek – Adopt A Creek Project to focus on another infamously trashed stretch of this 16.2 mile creek. We will meet at the same apartment complex, but will change directions and work downstream towards Keoncrest Circle where we performed numerous cleanups last year.
    This time we will switch gears and park in the SOUTHERN most parking lot in the Hidden Oaks Apartment Complex, gear up, and walk to Arcade Creek. Please arrive on time as the complex is fairly expansive and the route to our meeting spot could be confusing.
    Please bring water and only do what you are comfortable doing. As always, you can leave whenever you want or need.
    This cleanup will have some challenging access spots into the creek and may require a rope to get into the channel, however, there are some flat spots as well for easy pickin’.
    The event will range in difficulty from moderate to hard and may not be suitable for children under the age of 16. There will be something for almost everyone as we will be cleaning in the creek and up above, on land.
    We will provide bags, but please bring along your sturdy WATERPROOF footwear, grabbers, buckets, and gloves – a limited number of loaner buckets and grabbers may be available. There will be water in the creek, fairly deep in a few spots. Participants will be required to wear rain boots or waders if they intend to get into the water. The water is quite chilly this time of year. Entry into any waters is always optional.
    As with all events shared on our Page, participation is performed solely at your own risk. Please place safety FIRST and do only what you feel comfortable doing. Moreover, participants will be required to sign a Release and Waiver form if they have not done so previously.
    Overall, be safe, have fun and get some “Exercise with a Purpose”!, as Bill Templin says. Thank you! 
    Arcade Creek Adopt-A-Creek Project
    https://www.facebook.com/ArcadeCreekAACP
9
  • RCWA – Arcade Crk Cleanup at Norwood (4.0)
    09:00 -12:00
    03/09/2024

    Our apologies, but this will be an 18 and Over Event due to numerous active encampments in the area.
    With recent high waters now receding, we plan to continue with this new area of Arcade Creek to remove soaked and muddy trash and debris campers did not move out of harm’s way when waters were higher. This event will be conducted in coordination with American River Flood Control District who has graciously agreed to haul off all of the trash and encampment debris we pile up. And this will also be a BIG one.
    Sturdy, waterproof boots,long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Folks desiring to enter the creek will need hip or chest waders. This will be an easy to difficult level event with uneven terrain.
    RCWA will provide bags, but please bring along your grabbers, buckets, and gloves – a limited number of loaner buckets and grabbers may be available.
    As with all events shared on RCWA, participation is performed solely at your own risk. Please place safety FIRST and do only what you feel comfortable doing. Moreover, participants will be required to sign a Release and Waiver form if they have not done so previously.
    Overall, be safe, have fun and get some “Exercise with a Purpose” as Bill Templin says.
    Thank you!
    River City Waterway Alliance
    “Restoring & Protecting Our Waterways”
    Instagram @RiverCityWaterwayAlliance
  • SPIU – Dixieanne Neighborhood Clean Up
    09:00 -11:00
    03/09/2024
    2415 Evergreen St, Sacramento, CA 95815-2502, United States
    The Dixieanne Neighborhood Clean & Green Alleys is a project by the City of Sacramento to clean and beautify approx. 3,000 linear feet of public right-of-way on 5 residential alleys in the community of Old North Sacramento with permeable interlocking pavers, fencing repairs, shade trees, and public art in order to enhance the neighborhood and to encourage community gathering and active transportation.
    Tools, gloves, and other supplies provided!
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13
  • RCWA – Steelhead Creek Weekly Cleanup
    09:00 -12:00
    03/13/2024

    CHANGE OF LOCATION
    We will be meeting at Camp Pollock and driving over to Steelhead Creek from there. The water is still high but there is still plenty of trash to clean under and around the Northgate bridge near Garden Hwy.
    We are continuing our work with Friends of Steelhead Creek stewards Dr. Roland Brady and Crystal Tobias to clean this poor, trashed creek.
    Please come out and help with this project. We will provide bags, but please bring along your sturdy footwear, grabbers, buckets, gloves, and hats – a limited number of loaner buckets and grabbers may be available. Entry into the water is always optional.
    AGE LIMIT: This event is not suitable for minors under 16 years old. Minors older than 16 are invited, but must be supervised by a responsible adult.
    As with all events shared on RCWA, participation is performed solely at your own risk. Please place safety FIRST and do only what you feel comfortable doing. Moreover, participants will be required to sign a Release and Waiver form if they have not done so previously.
    Overall, be safe, have fun, and get some “Exercise with a Purpose” as Bill Templin always says!
    Thank you!
    River City Waterway Alliance
    “Restoring & Protecting Our Waterways”
    Instagram @RiverCityWaterwayAlliance
  • RCWA – Steelhead Creek Trash Pile Recovery Mission
    14:00 -16:00
    03/13/2024

    A few weeks ago, we left a large pile of trash on an elevated plateau next to Steelhead Creek for removal by American River Flood Control District. Unfortunately, waters quickly rose later than evening and have not sufficiently receded enough to allow ground access. Thus, RCWA will deploy a strike team to remove and haul the trash to the dry levee bank by boat.
    We will meet on Acoma Street and caravan into the cleanup spot. Thus, it is imperative that folks arrive on time.
    We will need several strong volunteers operating ropes to pull the trash to the dry levee bank using the Minnow aluminum boat and another small team on what is currently a muddy island loading the trash pile into the Minnow. We will then transport the pile to the dump using our trailer.
    RCWA will provide bags, but please bring along your grabbers, buckets, and gloves – a limited number of loaner buckets and grabbers may be available.
    As with all events shared on RCWA, participation is performed solely at your own risk. Please place safety FIRST and do only what you feel comfortable doing. Moreover, participants will be required to sign a Release and Waiver form if they have not done so previously.
    Overall, be safe, have fun and get some “Exercise with a Purpose” as Bill Templin says.
    Thank you!
    River City Waterway Alliance
    “Restoring & Protecting Our Waterways”
    Instagram @RiverCityWaterwayAlliance
14
15
  • RCWA – Ali’s Friday Arcade Crk Cleanup
    09:00 -12:00
    03/15/2024

    This series of cleanups are being made possible by a Watershed Stewardship and Education Grant awarded by the Sacramento County Stormwater Quality Program. We would like to sincerely thank the County for funds needed to keep our volunteers properly equipped.
    We will continue to partner with Arcade Creek – Adopt A Creek Project to focus on another infamously trashed stretch of this 16.2 mile creek. We will meet at the same apartment complex, but will change directions and work downstream towards Keoncrest Circle where we performed numerous cleanups last year.
    This time we will switch gears and park in the SOUTHERN most parking lot in the Hidden Oaks Apartment Complex, gear up, and walk to Arcade Creek. Please arrive on time as the complex is fairly expansive and the route to our meeting spot could be confusing.
    Please bring water and only do what you are comfortable doing. As always, you can leave whenever you want or need.
    This cleanup will have some challenging access spots into the creek and may require a rope to get into the channel, however, there are some flat spots as well for easy pickin’.
    The event will range in difficulty from moderate to hard and may not be suitable for children under the age of 16. There will be something for almost everyone as we will be cleaning in the creek and up above, on land.
    We will provide bags, but please bring along your sturdy WATERPROOF footwear, grabbers, buckets, and gloves – a limited number of loaner buckets and grabbers may be available. There will be water in the creek, fairly deep in a few spots. Participants will be required to wear rain boots or waders if they intend to get into the water. The water is quite chilly this time of year. Entry into any waters is always optional.
    As with all events shared on our Page, participation is performed solely at your own risk. Please place safety FIRST and do only what you feel comfortable doing. Moreover, participants will be required to sign a Release and Waiver form if they have not done so previously.
    Overall, be safe, have fun and get some “Exercise with a Purpose”!, as Bill Templin says. Thank you! 
    Arcade Creek Adopt-A-Creek Project
    https://www.facebook.com/ArcadeCreekAACP
16
  • RCWA – Arcade Crk Cleanup @ Norwood (5.0)
    09:00 -12:00
    03/16/2024

    Our apologies, but this will be an 18 and Over Event due to numerous active encampments in the area.
    We will continue to remove piles of trash in this stretch of Arcade Creek. This event will be conducted in coordination with the folks at Forensiclean who have graciously agreed to haul off all of the trash and encampment debris collected from this area!
    Sturdy, waterproof boots, long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Folks desiring to enter the creek will need hip or chest waders. This will be an easy to difficult level event with uneven terrain.
    RCWA will provide bags, but please bring along your grabbers, buckets, cultivators, rakes and gloves – a limited number of loaner buckets and grabbers may be available.
    As with all events shared on RCWA, participation is performed solely at your own risk. Please place safety FIRST and do only what you feel comfortable doing. Moreover, participants will be required to sign a Release and Waiver form if they have not done so previously.
    Overall, be safe, have fun and get some “Exercise with a Purpose” as Bill Templin says.
    Thank you!
    River City Waterway Alliance
    “Restoring & Protecting Our Waterways”
    Instagram @RiverCityWaterwayAlliance
  • ARPF – Invasive Plant Training
    10:00 -12:00
    03/16/2024

    Did you miss our last training? We added a second one due to its popularity!  Join our training on March 16th at 10 am! Learn to identify and remove harmful species, make a difference, and enjoy a fun outdoor experience! Perfect for all ages!

  • ARPF – Native Plant Garden Day
    13:00 -16:00
    03/16/2024

     Spring has sprung on the Parkway! 🍄
    Join us on March 16th, 2024 at 1 PM in ARPF’s Native Plant Garden. 🧤 Lend a hand and help us get the garden ready for spring! We’ll be loading brush, laying mulch, and pulling weeds.
    It’ll be a groovy way to spend a day on the Parkway! 🌿🌼
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23
  • Elk Grove Anti-Trash – Black Swan Trail X EG Blvd
    09:00 -10:50
    03/23/2024

    Sometimes we return to our favorite spots when needed. This area has trails, drainage basins, open spaces, and streetscapes where wayward trash accumulates here and there.
    Elk Grove Blvd could use a little TLC in the median, too!
    We will fan out from Strong Park and reconvene after 90 minutes or so. Some spots may have water and boots are recommended.
    We will be joined by a few young people and parents and look forward to welcoming them. David Irons might be tempted to lead our scavenger hunt again!
    New to cleanups? Please arrive early to get signed in and get gear. If you have supplies, please bring your own gloves, buckets, bags, but we have items for you. Buckets, gloves, grabbers, vests, bags.
    Please wear appropriate clothing, boots   or closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hats, and bring your own water.
    All cleanups are done at your own risk, but safety first! Our trash safety talk starts promptly at 9:00 am.
    See you soon!!
    Let’s Clean Elk Grove together!
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April
April
April
April
April
April
Man walking dog

Pet waste is a significant, yet preventable, water pollutant. Please clean up after your pet!

Not all bugs are bad! Learn how
good bugs can defend your home
against pests

Landscape and Nursery Expo

Businesses from all around participate in this annual event. Residents can learn various landscape techniques as well as purchase supplies, equipment, and attend educational seminars.

Tuesday, May 3

For More Information

Contact the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership at

ssqpinfo@cityofsacramento.org
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