The purpose of a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) is to achieve a level of storm water runoff pollution prevention and abatement that would ensure the health of our local waterways and beaches.  The WQMP prescribes post-construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the property to accomplish this goal.

All new development/redevelopment projects require a WQMP.  However, the following are exempt from the submittal of a WQMP, unless the City determines that the project may result in the discharge of significant levels of a pollutant into a tributary to the stormwater drainage system:

• Construction of a single family detached residence 5,500 square feet or less of interior space including garage

• Improvements to a single family detached residence that will result in a total of 5,500 square feet or less of interior space including garage and additions, or addition of a second story with no increase in the footprint or improvements that will add no more than 25% of existing footprint and will not exceed 1,000 square feet of additional space.

The City will determine whether or not the project is a Priority Project or a Non-Priority Project.  The scope of the WQMP will differ depending on its priority.  A Priority Project will require that treatment control BMPs be used.  The proposed treatment BMPs must address the pollutants of concern for the site. Effective June 22, 2009, the City will be operating under a new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.  This permit will have significant new requirements for land development projects.  Projects must incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) principles in their design as part of their WQMP requirements.  Priority development projects will be required to infiltrate, harvest and re-use, evapo-transpire, or bio-treat the 85th percentile storm event on-site.

• Appendix A - Model WQMP (09/23/2006)
• Appendix B - Priority WQMP Template
  • Non-Priority WQMP Template
  • Non-Priority Guidance
• Appendix C - Preparer's WQMP Checklist
• Appendix D - Long Term Agreements for Implementation and Maintenance
• Appendix E - Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan
• Appendix F - Covenant and Agreement Form

1. The California Stormwater Best Management Practice Handbooks
2. County of Orange BMP Information
3. CalTrans BMP Information
4. County of Orange Public Outreach Brochures
5. County of Orange Construction Runoff Guidance Manual
6. Orange County Hydrology Manuals
7. Low Impact Development (LID)