Residents
Report an Illicit Discharge
It is illegal to release anything other than stormwater which is free of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable to a stormwater conveyance system! Stormwater conveyance systems include streets, curbs and gutter, storm drains, and ditches. See Non-Stormwater Discharges below to learn about specific exemptions to these discharge prohibitions.
You may call the Stormwater Hotline for the local jurisdiction to report an illict discharge or a potential illicit discharge. Please provide a detailed account of the incident (i.e. date, time, location, responsible party, nature of the incident) when you call to report an illicit discharge.
Stormwater Hotlines
| American Canyon |
707-647-4550 |
| Napa |
707-257-9600 |
| Yountville |
707-944-8851 |
| St. Helena |
707-968-2658 or 967-2850 after hours |
| Calistoga |
707-942-2828 |
| Napa County (unincorporated) |
707-299-1799 |
Non-Stormwater Discharges
The following discharges are exempt from the illicit discharge prohibitions.
- Water line flushing and other discharges from potable water sources
- Irrigation and lawn watering
- Rising ground waters or springs
- Passive foundation and footing drains
- Water from crawl space pumps and basement pumps
- Air conditioning condensate
- Noncommercial vehicle washing*
- Natural flows from riparian habitats and wetlands
- Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges**
- Flows from fire suppression activities, including fire hydrant flows
- Waters not otherwise containing wastes as defined in California Water Code Section 13050(d) and California Health and Safety Code Section 25117
- Diverted stream flows
- Uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined at 40 Code of Federal Regulation Section 35.2005(b)(20) to separate storm sewers
- Uncontaminated pumped ground water
* Local agencies also allow occasional non-profit car wash fund raisers. Contact your local stormwater agency for more information.
** Prior to draining a swimming pool to the street you must call the local stormwater agency for an encroachment permit. Please refer to the Pollution Prevention for Pools, Spas, and Fountains for more information on BMPs and discharge options.
Generally, all other discharges are prohibited. Please refer to the BMPs and FAQs found throughout this website and the local stormwater ordinances for more information on the local discharge requirements.