With 3.1 million residents and an annual rainfall of only about 13 inches, the Orange County (Calif.) Public Works – OC Watersheds Division understands stormwater management and public education go hand in hand when it comes to protecting local water resources. Covering a relatively small land area of less than 1,000 square miles, the dense urban environment has a high level of imperviousness, which makes managing stormwater runoff and pollution a challenge.

Since its inception in 1990, the Orange County stormwater program has evolved considerably as data collection methods have advanced, public education needs have changed and NPDES permit requirements have strengthened.