What is Project Clean Water?

The mission of Project Clean Water is to protect public health and enhance environmental quality in Santa Barbara County watersheds and beaches.

Specific Project Clean Water goals are:

• to protect the health of the recreational public and the environment,
• to meet Clean Water Act mandates through compliance with Phase II NPDES Permit requirements and applicable regulations,
• to foster maximum public involvement and awareness,
• and to establish stable funding sources.

Project Clean Water staff walk local creeks to perform a visual survey and note problems areas and take corrective action as necessary. Staff also collect water samples, which are analyzed at a laboratory to determine the concentration of various types of water pollution. The pollutants tested for include bacteria, pesticides and oil. Data from this water sampling are used to target appropriate solutions to water pollution.

Project Clean Water staff meet quarterly with interested members of the public to share ideas, information, and give an update on Project Clean Water efforts. Often these stakeholder meetings are planned in conjunction with a public forum or workshop dedicated to clean water issues or practices. In addition, various working groups meet as necessary to discuss emerging issues. We welcome your participation.