Watershed Protection

The mission of Public Works – Watershed Protection is to reduce pollutants entering storm drains, sanitary sewers, creeks, and the San Francisco Bay. Watershed Protection also works in partnership with the Regional Water Quality Control Plant to meet Regional Water Quality Control Board permit requirements and City of Palo Alto Council Priorities.

What is a Watershed?

Our Programs

Summary of Programs

Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Programs

Pretreatment and Regulatory Compliance Program

  • Regulates business discharges to the Regional Water Quality Control Plant from businesses, such as photo processors, dentists, automotive service facilities, industrial dischargers, businesses handling contaminated groundwater, and machine shops
  • Supports the Plant in regulatory tracking, advocacy, compliance, optimization, and resource recovery (e.g., recycled water, biosolids treatment) through special studies and evaluations

Public Outreach and Policy Program

Publications

Pollution Prevention Report 2024 (Clean Bay Plan)(PDF, 55MB)

Stormwater 2022-2023 Report(PDF, 12MB)

Pretreatment Annual Report 2023(PDF, 5MB)