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Redwood shores lagoon with businesses and houses in view

REPORTING ILLICIT DISCHARGE

Conserving our water resources.

Reporting Illicit Discharge

Storm drains are meant for stormwater only. No sewage, automotive fluids, construction materials, or debris should enter the storm drain system. Reporting pollution issues helps keep our local creeks, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean clean. By taking action to protect our waterways today, we can ensure they remain healthy for generations to come.

Reporting Illicit Discharge

Keep our local creeks, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean clean.

oil slick on road flowing into storm drain

When Should You Make a Report?

When you find dumped waste in or near the storm drain.
When you notice unusual odors in or near the storm drain.
When the drainage system has unusually large flows during dry periods.
When you see someone illegally dumping anything into a storm drain.

Common illicit discharges can include: sewage from RVs, water from home car washes, dirty water from businesses, cleaning fluids, paints, construction materials, food waste, and even solid materials such as dirt.

storm drain badge indicating no dumping - drains to bay

How Can You Make a Report?

For direct discharges to Colma Creek, San Bruno Creek, or San Francisquito Creek:
OneShoreline
Email: info@oneshoreline.org
Phone: 650-844-8310

In unincorporated areas of San Mateo County:
Sustainability Department
Email: sustainability@smcgov.org
Phone: 1-888-442-2666

storm drain grate that reads no dumping - drains to waterways

Information for cities or towns in San Mateo County

Contact the appropriate illicit discharge coordinator from the list found on the Flows to Bay website.

Note: If you are reporting an emergency situation that could pose imminent danger to health and safety, call 911.

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