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Last Updated: Thursday, January 5, 2012 1:08 PM

Stormwater Quality Planning for California Watersheds

Available only on the Internet, the Water Quality Planning Tool is a database of water quality standards, and possible pollutants from Caltrans facilities. This unique Water Quality Planning Tool is another valuable resource being used by Caltrans in its continuing commitment to prevent stormwater pollution.

Click HERE to try it.

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The Water Quality Planning Tool was developed by Caltrans in conjunction with the California State University at Sacramento (CSUS) and the University of California at Davis (UCD) as part of the Caltrans Stormwater Program. The Water Quality Standards Database used for this Planning Tool was developed by the Information Center for the Environment (ICE) at UCD. For more information on the Water Quality Planning Tool Website contact:

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Environmental Protection

Protecting the environment is a top priority at Caltrans when building new highways and facilities. Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants to downstream rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Knowing downstream water quality requirements in all watershed areas will help environmental
and transportation planners meet state and
federal environmental guidelines (CEQA
and NEPA) for new transportation projects.

Stormwater runoff from Caltrans facilities may contain pollutants such as vehicle exhaust products, brake and tire materials, oil and grease, and litter that can get flushed through storm drains to our waterways. This tool gives typical concentrations of these pollutants from Caltrans facilities.

Stormwater Runoff Loads from Caltrans Facilities

To manage stormwater effectively, Caltrans needs to know where runoff from its facilities contains pollutants. The Water Quality Planning Tool inventories all Caltrans facilities in California – highways, park and rides, rest areas, and maintenance stations – and estimates stormwater runoff loads downstream from these facilities.

Watershed Planning

California is composed of many watersheds – each with unique water resources and needs for the water by different stakeholders. Water quality problems in a watershed are better solved when all stakeholders participate cooperatively to find solutions. The Water Quality Planning Tool provides necessary information for each watershed that can aid the watershed planning process for all stakeholders.