Santa Cruz County DPW Flood Control
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Pajaro
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Flood Control and Stormwater Management
Flood Control
The Flood Control Division uses science-based information and technology to reduce flood risk and to inform emergency managers and the public of real-time flooding potential during storms. Flood control engineering work is strongly focused on the Pajaro River and its tributaries. We coordinate with the County Planning Department on flood insurance needs in the County, and we work closely with Environmental Health on woody debris management in the watersheds of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Stormwater
Stormwater is rain that runs off streets, parking lots, roofs, other impervious surfaces, and also rain that naturally flows over the ground surface. Stormwater runoff receives no treatment and enters directly into our storm drain system and out to our creeks, rivers, and ocean.
Stormwater Management
Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of pollution in our surface waters. Pollutants (such as oils, chemicals, fertilizers, litter) can be transported by stormwater into our creeks, rivers, and ocean. Increases in impervious surfaces can cause water quantity issues (such as flooding and erosion) and quality problems (pollution) if not managed properly.