Why Are We Concerned About Urban Runoff?

Sacramento’s rivers and creeks provide a place for us to enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and other fun activities. They also serve as important habitats for wildlife. However, our waterways are fragile and need to be protected. Rainwater that falls onto the urban landscape and water that we use for outdoor activities, like landscaping and car washing, is collectively known as urban runoff. When urban runoff runs through lawns, driveways, parking lots, and streets, it picks up pollutants like pet waste, chemicals and litter. This polluted water eventually flows into a nearby storm drain, enters our rivers without treatment, and harms our waterways.