FAQ
- What is runoff?
Runoff is water from rain and outdoor water use that drains from roofs, driveways, sidewalks, and other surfaces that doesn’t soak into the ground. For more information about runoff, click here.
- What Is an Illegal Discharge?
An illegal discharge is any discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) that is not rain water, unless exempted by local ordinance. These may occur due to illegal connections to the storm drain system in which wastewater enters the storm drains (e.g. floor drains connected to the storm drain system). Direct dumping or placement of waste so that it can enter the storm drain system is also a form of illegal discharge. For more information about illegal discharges, click here.
- What should I do if I suspect an illegal discharge?
If you suspect an illegal discharge, please visit https://myoceservices.ocgov.com/ to submit a Service Request under Water Pollution, or call the 24-hour pollution reporting hotline at 1-877-89-SPILL(77455).
Both options allow you to request service updates and the option of anonymous reporting. In case of an emergency, call 911.
For more information about illegal discharge, visit Illegal Discharges and Report Pollution.
- Glossary of Terms
To view the glossary of terms used by H2OC, please click here.
- How can I report a drainage problem?
If you spot a blocked or damaged drain, please visit myOCeServices to submit a Service Request under Drains and Floods, or call the 24-hour Street Drain Reporting Problem Hotline at (714) 955-0200.
Both options allow you to request service updates and the option of anonymous reporting.
- How can I report a water pollution problem?
If you’ve identified a water pollution problem, please visit myOCeServices to submit a Service Request under Water Pollution, or call the 24-hour pollution reporting hotline at 1-877-89-SPILL(77455).
Both options allow you to request service updates and the option of anonymous reporting. If this is an emergency, call 911.
- Where can I dispose of hazardous waste items?
Orange County residents can contact one of four Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers (HHWCC). Call (714) 834-6752 or visit http://www.oclandfills.com/hazardous for HHWCC locations and hours.
To recycle used oil, visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/eh/waste/oil for Used Oil Recycling Center locations and hours.
- Where can I get information about permits and water quality requirements?
Interested in learning about Orange County water quality requirements? Check out the Model Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) to learn about Orange County requirements and the planning approval process. For more information, please visit our Stormwater Permits, Pollution Prevention for Businesses, Pollution Prevention for Construction Sites, and Pollution Prevention for Residents pages.