The City of Garden Grove's storm drain system is comprised of four municipal flood control channels, over 1,000 catch basins, and over 600 miles of curb and gutter.

The storm drain system is designed to control the movement of rainwater. This aids in preventing flooding of streets, homes and businesses. The rainwater can pick up pollutants as large as shopping carts or as microscopic as chemical compounds and flush the contaminates into local waters, damaging aquatic life and marine ecosystems.

What Can Flow to the Street and Storm Drain System?          

  • Storm water
  • Air conditioning condensate
  • Landscaping water
  • Residential car wash water
  • Dechlorinated and algae free pool water

What Can't Flow to the Street and Storm Drain System?

  • Any chemicals or hazardous material (example: motor oil, transmission fluid)
  • Trash, cigarette butts and landscaping debris
  • Pet waste and sewage
  • Construction debris, concrete slurry or dirt

Sewers and Storm Drains are Different

The storm drain system moves all of the water from outside homes and businesses (storm water and urban runoff) and carries the untreated water straight to local rivers, wetlands and eventually the ocean.

The sewer system is a network of pipes which moves all of the water from inside homes and businesses (water from sinks, bathtubs, toilets, etc.) to a waste water treatment facility, where the water is cleaned before being released into the ocean.

Sewer Vs. Storm Drain Diagram

The sewer system can become clogged, causing sewage to spill out of sewer manholes in the street or sewer clean outs at homes and businesses. The untreated sewage then flows into the street, storm drain system, and eventually the ocean. Sewer spills impact residents, businesses and the environment.

Fats, Oils and Grease or FOG is a leading cause of sewer spills. FOG collects in the pipes sewer system, until it causes a blockage and sewage over flows.

If you witness illegal dumping of a hazardous material in a storm drain, dial 9-1-1.

To report a discharge of non-storm water to the storm drain system, after calling 9-1-1, you may call the City of Garden Grove Environmental Compliance Division during office hours at (714) 741-5956 or after office hours at (714) 741-5375. 

  • To report a sewer spill, please contact the Water Division during office hours at (714) 741-5395 or after office hours at (714) 741-5704.

  • To report a clogged storm drain please contact the Flood Control Division at (714) 741-5375.

  • Report after hours Water Pollution Incident: please contact Water Pollution Hotline at 877-90-SPILL, or place a service request online.