Storm drains flow directly to local waterways. Anything that enters a storm drain can end up in our arroyos and the Santa Fe River.

Stormwater runoff is a leading source of surface water pollution. As rain and snowmelt flow across rooftops, streets, and parking lots, they pick up pollutants such as oil, sediment, trash, pet waste, and chemicals. This runoff flows untreated into local waterways, degrading water quality, harming wildlife, and increasing flooding risks.

Dumping anything other than rain or snow into storm drains or arroyos is illegal in Santa Fe.

Keep It Clean. We’re All Downstream.

In 1972, Congress passed the Clean Water Act (CWA). Under this law, Santa Fe operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. The City implements a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) to reduce pollutants in urban runoff before they reach local waterways.

The Six Pillars of Santa Fe’s Stormwater Program

• Construction Site Stormwater Discharge Control
• Post-Construction Stormwater Management
• Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Public Education and Outreach
• Public Involvement and Participation

Residents

Everyday household activities can contribute pollutants to stormwater runoff.

Key Actions

• Dispose of green waste in bins, not arroyos or storm drains.
• Store and dispose of household hazardous waste properly.
• Scoop and trash pet waste.
• Wash vehicles on gravel or grass, not in the street.
• Prevent leaks and clean spills with absorbent material, not water.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides only as directed and never before rain.
• Keep trash secured in closed bins.

Outdoor work areas, dumpsters, and spills are common sources of stormwater pollution.

Key Actions

• Keep dumpster lids closed and areas clean.
• Never discharge cleaning water or grease outside.
• Store chemicals indoors with secondary containment.
• Sweep outdoor areas instead of hosing them down.
• Dispose of green waste properly.
• Train staff on spill response procedures.

Spill Response

Spill response is everyone’s job. Keep a fully stocked spill kit accessible and train employees on proper use.

Auto shops handle fluids that can easily pollute stormwater.

Key Actions

• Use drip pans and absorbent mats.
• Contain and clean spills immediately.
• Store fluids and batteries properly.
• Never hose down floors into streets or gutters.
• Designate wash areas that drain to the sanitary sewer system.

Construction sites are a major source of sediment pollution.

Key Actions

• Install silt fences and wattles to keep soil on site.
• Use tracking pads at site exits.
• Stabilize disturbed soil as soon as possible.
• Never discharge concrete wash water to storm drains.
• Contain fuel and hydraulic fluids.
• Keep trash and debris secured.

Landscaping can release sediment, green waste, and chemicals into stormwater.

Key Actions

• Dispose of green waste properly.
• Maintain equipment to prevent leaks.
• Use drip pans when refueling.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides carefully and never before it rains.

Pesticides can enter stormwater through outdoor application or improper disposal.

Key Actions

• Do not rinse pesticides into streets, gutters, or storm drains.
• Store products in covered areas with secondary containment.
• Apply the lowest effective rate.
• Avoid application before rain or high winds.
• Consider Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies before chemical treatment.

Pet waste is a major source of harmful bacteria in local waterways.

Key Actions

• Scoop and trash pet waste every time.
• Never dispose of waste near storm drains or arroyos.
• Carry bags when walking your dog.
• Set an example for other pet owners.

A 2017 DNA study found that dog waste is the largest contributor of E. coli in the Santa Fe River.

Managing stormwater on-site helps reduce flooding and protect downstream neighbors.

Urban development increases runoff and reduces infiltration. Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) captures, slows, and sinks stormwater where it falls.

Examples of Green Stormwater Infrastructure

• Rain gardens
• Bioswales
• Rain barrels and cisterns
• Permeable pavers
• Rock check dams
• Tracking pads

Property owners are responsible for managing erosion and stabilizing soil on their property (SFCC 1987, §§ 13-2.4, 13-2.9, 13-2.17).

Buckman Road Recycling and Transfer Station (BuRRT)

BuRRT offers free green waste and household hazardous waste disposal on the first weekend of every month.

• The Santa Fe River has higher-than-safe levels of E. coli.
• The City conducts vegetation thinning along approximately 75 acres of waterways annually to maintain stormwater flow.
• A 1,200-square-foot roof can generate about 748 gallons of runoff from one inch of rain.
• A one-acre parking lot can generate about 27,000 gallons of runoff from one inch of rain.

Contact the River and Watershed Section or report illicit discharges to the Stormwater Hotline.

Click here to learn more about protecting Santa Fe’s waterways.