Drainage

The storm drainage system for Rancho Murieta is comprised of natural swales, pipelines and flood control levees. The key principles that guide the system are:

	To protect life and property and minimize inconvenience to the public,
	To create a realistic balance between inconvenience and protection against a hazard,
	To provide adequate measures to protect the natural resources within the community and
	To protect the community's drinking water supplies from urban runoff contamination.

  In the past, storm drainage and flood control jurisdiction had

  been the overlapping responsibility of property owners and

  homeowners associations, Sacramento County and the

  District. In the mid 80's, the District's latent authority to

  provide drainage and flood control services was exercised.

  The District de-annexed from the county storm drainage

  maintenance district and began providing drainage services

  to the community.

  Significant storm drainage facilities within a community

  include natural drainage courses which convey seasonal run-

  off, 100 year flood protection levees along the Cosumnes River, perennial storm drainage detention basins and marsh and wetland areas. In addition small to large diameter pipelines and pump stations convey runoff to the ditches and river.

The level of protection provided by the storm drainage system is:

	Protection of developable areas from the 100 -year flood event
	Street drainage systems are designed for the 10-year storm.
	Culverts, open channels and natural streams are designed for the 100-year storm
	Finished floor elevation should be a minimum of 1 foot above the 100-year storm water surface.

Maintenance of this system includes those factors that are essential to keep the drainage system in good condition, maintaining an adequate staff to accomplish the work and instituting practices and procedures for maintenance of existing and future structures and facilities.

The annual maintenance program includes periodic maintenance by mechanical equipment of the natural drainage courses and ditches, cleaning of silt, branches, weeds and other debris from ditches, natural courses and pipelines. In addition, the District provides periodic inspections of the levees and weekly monitoring and maintenance of drainage pumping facilities.

Many times, the District is called out for drainage problems outside their responsibility. The division of responsibility between the District and private property owners, whether individuals or homeowners associations, is as follows:

	The District is responsible for maintenance of the bottoms of natural drainage courses, ditches and canals as well as underground pipe systems and detention basins.
	Individual property owners or the homeowners associations are responsible for maintenance of the open space above the ditch bottom and debris removal in the streets and gutters.

Stormwater Quality

• Educate and inform the public about urban runoff pollution
• Encourage public participation in community and clean-up events
• Work with industries and businesses to encourage pollution prevention
• Require construction activities to reduce erosion and pollution
• Require developing projects to include pollution controls that will continue to operate after construction is complete

Before the Rancho Murieta area was developed, most rainfall fell onto natural areas and the water soaked into the ground. Over the last century, we've changed the landscape dramatically by adding roads and buildings and drainage pipes. Stormwater that once soaked into the ground now flows quickly into street gutters and drains. It is then carried in pipes to our creeks and the Cosumnes River without treatment. Everyday activities also add water: activities such as car washing, lawn watering, and cleaning buildings and streets. Along the way, the fast-moving urban runoff picks up pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, eroded soil, and oil and grease from cars. These pollutants make their way into our creeks and rivers where they pollute the water and harm the ecosystem of both plants and animals. Eventually, this affects all of us, since we eat the fish and use the rivers for recreation. Some of us in the Sacramento area also drink treated river water.

There are plenty of ways for Rancho Murieta area residents, students, community groups and businesses to get involved in pollution prevention efforts. We need volunteers to help us get the word out. Take the first step by practicing pollution prevention in your own home, then join us in the many activities and events sponsored throughout your community. You are also encouraged to visit Sacramento County's Stormwater Quality Program to learn more about how you can improve stormwater quality.

For More Information

To report illegal discharges or construction erosion runoff, call us at 354-3700 or email Paul Siebensohn, Director of Field Operations.