Storm Drainage

Storm Drainage System

The storm drainage system removes rainfall from surface streets and disposes of the accumulated stormwater in drainage basins.

Hanford's storm drainage system consists of 30 pump stations, 56 miles of pipeline ranging in size from 6 to 60 inches, 138 inverted siphons, 974 drainage inlets, and 181 acres of drainage basins and drainage ditches.

Emergencies

For after-hours emergencies, call 559-585-2540.

Storm Water Management Plan

The City of Hanford has developed our Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) to comply with State and Federal regulations and improve the quality of life in our city. The SWMP contains activities to reduce the amount of pollution in the stormwater that runs off into our basins and ditches. 

Stormwater originates from rainfall - whatever doesn’t soak into the ground runs off into our basins and ditches. Stormwater starts off relatively free of pollutants, but as it flows over the landscape it picks up substances from our roads, parking lots, and lawns and carries these substances into the basins and ditches. Stormwater is conveyed through a storm drain system, but unlike the sanitary sewer system, it does not go to a treatment plant - it discharges directly to our basins and ditches without any treatment. Many of the substances picked up by the stormwater are harmful to the plants and animals that live in our streams and ponds, which is why it is important for us to reduce stormwater pollution.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The City's Storm Water Management Program consists of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in six general categories listed below:

  • Public Education and Outreach
  • Public Participation and Involvement
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
  • Post Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment
  • Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

Resources