Storm Water

A great deal of water pollution is caused by the things that we do everyday. What we leave on sidewalks and streets impacts our water quality. When it rains, storm water mixes with trash, antifreeze, motor oil, and other undesirable items. Storm water flows off the sidewalk or street to the nearest storm drain. Storm drains are large, underground pipes designed to prevent flooding on streets and sidewalks of Hercules. Storm water eventually flows into San Pablo Bay.

The Clean Water Program is dictated by State and Federal environmental mandates, requiring every City to comply under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Thus the City of Hercules has implemented are the following programs:

• Street Sweeping
  The Street Sweeping Program was initiated to catch all the trash and debris before it reaches the storm drain systems and creeks. All residential streets are swept on a monthly basis and all main streets are swept twice-a month. The Street Sweeping Map (PDF) shows when your street will be swept. The street sweeping schedule is designed to work in conjunction with the trash collection schedule. To assign us in keeping our streets and creeks clean, please do not park your vehicle on the street the day your street will be swept.
  
• Storm Drain Maintenance
  As part of the Clean Water Program, the City initiated the Storm Drain Collection System Maintenance and Clean-Up Program. The goal of this program is to prevent silt and debris from enter into the creeks and eventually into the bay. Annually, staff inspects approximately 300 catch basins throughout the City. Base on the inspection, catch basin and storm drain mains are cleaned twice a year, before and after the rainy season.
  
• Concrete-V-Ditch Maintenance
  The Concrete-V-Ditch Maintenance Program was created to ensure leaves, dirt, and debris from the City’s open spaces does not reach our creeks. The V-Ditches are inspected and maintained between July and August of every year. 
  
• Creek Maintenance
  The Creek Maintenance Program was created to remove man-made debris at all choking points and culverts, and to clear excessive vegetation along Refugio Lake, Refugio Creek, and Ohlone Creek. The program is done on an annual basis and must be completed prior to the winter storm season. All work associated with the Creek Maintenance Program has to be permitted by the State Department of Fish and Game. Staff coordinates all permitting, approvals, and contracts with the East Bay Conservation Corps and/or other qualified contractors.

For more information regarding the Clean Water Program, contact us at 510-799-8241 or visit the Contra Costa County Clean Water Program website