In close coordination with all teams in Public Works and other departments, the Environmental Regulations Office develops and coordinates the implementation of existing and new water quality regulatory programs, citywide, regionally, and with various sectors of our community to protect natural water quality of streams, lakes, and the Monterey Bay. The City also participates in statewide municipal review of draft new regulations proposed for State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) approval that may affect the City and region.

Water quality regulations implemented by this Office are derived from the federal Clean Water Act and the California Porter Cologne Act, which protect Waters of the U.S. (surface water drainages) and Waters of the State (surface- and ground-waters), respectively. Each year, new regulations are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and SWRCB, and its nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs). In response, the City must subsequently develop new regulatory Ordinances and programs locally to ensure local compliance with these laws, typically relating to the City's storm drainage collection system and sanitary sewer collections system.