Discharges

Allowable Discharges

Some activities that discharge pollutants are not regulated by federal, state, or local policies. These activities may be conducted using best management practices (BMPs) that prevent or reduce pollutants that may flow to creeks, channels, and the ocean.

Below is a list of the allowable discharges. These types of discharges may look and smell like potable water.

Air conditioning condensation discharge
De-chlorinated swimming pool discharge
Diverted stream flow discharge
Flows from riparian habitats and wetland discharge
Footing drain discharge
Fountain drain discharge
Individual residential car washing discharges

Irrigation water discharge (potable)
Lawn watering discharge
Rising groundwater discharge
Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration discharge
Uncontaminated pumped groundwater discharge
Water from crawl space pumps
Water line flushing

Illegal Discharges

Illegal discharge is the unauthorized entry of runoff into a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). The discharge can be either direct (e.g. wastewater pipe connected to a storm drain) or indirect (e.g. infiltration by cracked sanitary systems, spills, or paint or oil dumped directly into a drain). Discharges that enter the MS4 are not treated and flows directly to our waterways picking up pollutants along the way. Pollutants can include heavy metals (i.e. copper, lead, and zinc), oil and grease, solvents, nutrients (i.e. fertilizer), and pathogens (i.e. viruses and bacteria). According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), illegal discharge can decrease water quality and be harmful to aquatic, wildlife and human health.

Sources of illegal discharge can include:

Leaking septic tanks
Commercial car wash wastewater
Improper oil disposal
Improper disposal of radiator flushing fluid
Improper disposal of carpet or fabric-cleaning wastewater
Spills from roadway accidents
Improper disposal of auto and household solvents
Over-irrigation

These activities may occur if the activity is conducted in a manner that results in no runoff or pollutants entering the drainage system (i.e. using Best Management Practices). For example, residents may wash down their driveways and sidewalks if they complete the activity in a manner that captures or diverts the water they use so that it does not drain into the streets and storm drains. This may be accomplished by using best management practices such as sweeping the driveway and sidewalk of all debris and putting it in the trash. Then, while using a hose nozzle, lightly spray the driveway and sidewalk away from the gutter onto the lawn or into a planter area. Or, just sweep the driveway and sidewalk, no water is necessary.

Reporting Spills

Emergency

For all emergencies, dial 911.

Citizen cooperation is vital for an effective stormwater program. Likewise, people on the streets are key to timely enforcement. If you suspect an emergency, always call 911. In a situation where you observe a discharge that you are uncertain about, but should probably be investigated, there are several points for reporting.

Non-Hazardous Issue

If you observe a non-hazardous discharge during normal business hours, please contact the Public Works Department at 714-993-8148.

If you observe discharges into the storm drains during non-business hours, please call Placentia dispatch at 714-993-8164.

Hotline

As an alternative, the County of Orange also has a water pollution reporting hotline available 24 hours a day to report illegal dumping, illegal discharges into storm drains, or pollution spills. Please call 877-89-SPILL to report such issues.