Water Quality and Conservation Programs

When it rains, contaminants on the ground can be washed into the Bay and other waterways. This polluted runoff can harm fish and other aquatic life. Common pollutants include motor oil, fertilizers from garden and lawn, pesticides, mercury-containing lightbulbs, plastic, and animal waste.

Federal and state stormwater permits require local public agencies to reduce pollution in runoff. The District’s Clean Water Program helps meet these requirements by coordinating countywide efforts and supporting local jurisdictions and partners in reducing pollution and promoting long-term watershed stewardship. Program activities include:

• Watershed assessment and monitoring
• Identifying illegal discharges to storm drains and waterways
• Trash assessments
• Providing practical guidance and requirements to help reduce water pollution
• Community outreach through education, events, and youth programs

Staff from the Alameda County Public Works Agency also coordinate the following programs:

The Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program, established in 1991, is a consortium representing clean water programs for Alameda County’s 14 cities, the District, unincorporated Alameda County, and the Zone 7 Water Agency. The City of Fremont provides administrative and contracting services for the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program to support compliance with federal and state requirements to improve water quality and better manage urban stormwater and runoff.

The District’s Clean Water Division represents unincorporated Alameda County. Program activities include commercial and industrial inspections, watershed assessment and monitoring, oversight of new development and construction sites, illicit discharge detection and control, and public outreach. County staff work with residents and businesses throughout unincorporated Alameda County to promote pollution prevention practices.

Alameda County Public Works Agency regularly inspects businesses to ensure that water quality practices are followed. If you suspect a business may be polluting creeks or the Bay, please contact 510-670-5500 to report it.

In addition to flood control, the District is also responsible for promoting water conservation. Conserving water is increasing important as the population grows and weather patterns fluctuate. The Bay Area has experienced droughts in the past and will likely face them again.

Sustainable practices that support water conservation are an important part of District’s work. For example, removing concrete lining from stormwater channels and restoring creeks to more natural condition can improve water quality and help recharge groundwater.

Removing non-native plants and replacing them with native trees and vegetation that require less water is another way the District supports conservation. The District, together with the Alameda County Public Works Agency (ACPWA), also incorporates Bay-Friendly Landscaping practices in its projects.

Wells are drilled into the ground to pump groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and household uses. Some cities maintain groundwater wells to provide an emergency water supply if the regular water system is damaged by an earthquake.

A permit must be obtained before constructing any groundwater well. ACPWA oversees well permitting activities across nine cities and unincorporated Western Alameda County. ACPWA manages drilling permit applications and ensures compliance with guidelines for well construction and destruction, geotechnical and groundwater contamination investigations, well data searches that meet specific criteria, and related activities.

Anyone planning to drill a well or exploratory hole should visit the Well Standards Program page.

• Alameda County Water District – Water Conservation
• East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) – Water Conservation and Rebates
• California Department of Water Resources

This section highlights hands-on ways to support cleaner waterways and healthier neighborhoods across Alameda County. Opportunities are available for individuals, families, schools, community groups, and local businesses.

One way to get involved is through the Adopt-A-Creek Program, a partnership between the Alameda County Public Works Agency and local community to help keep creeks and waterways clean. Areas that are not located near creeks can be adopted under the Adopt-a-Spot Program, which is also managed by the Alameda County Public Works Agency. Both programs share a single application. 

Proper disposal of trash, debris, and household chemicals helps keep Bay Area creeks clean. Not sure how to dispose of certain items? For guidance on materials such as used motor oil, paint, pesticides, cleaning products, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, or expired medications, visit Stopwaste.org’s RE:Source tool, which helps you find the appropriate drop-off or disposal location.