BASWA BASWABay Area Storm Water Authority
Working together to improve water quality
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BASWA History
Drainage Districts
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Overview
Mandated by Congress under the Clean Water Act, the NPDES Stormwater Permit program was developed to address non-agricultural sources of stormwater discharges which affect the quality of our water. The permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into the waters. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes and man made ditches
On March 10, 2003 Phase II of the NPDES permitting system and its accompanying rules and regulations came into effect. The affected municipalities in the Bay Urbanized Area formed the Bay Area Storm Water Authority in an effort to meet the state and federal storm water regulations. It is the vision of this Authority to address water quality issues related to storm water by identifying and eliminating illicit discharges and to educate the general public on how to improve water quality.
Polluted stormwater runoff is a leading cause of impairment to our water bodies that do not meet water quality standards. When left uncontrolled, this water pollution can result in the destruction of fish, wildlife and aquatic life habitats; a loss in aesthetic value; and threats to public health due to contaminated food, drinking water supplies and recreational waterways.
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This web site was designed to provide you with information about what is being done and how you can help to improve water quality in our watershed.