Projects Improving Water Quality Throughout the County
The County Watershed Protection Program is storm-ready
As the rainy season approaches, County of San Diego’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) program becomes especially important. During storms, runoff travels across streets, sidewalks, parking areas, and other hard surfaces, picking up pollutants, and rainwater entering the storm drain system is generally not treated before reaching local creeks, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. GSI provides a natural “pit stop” for that runoff, slowing the water, capturing pollutants, and allowing water to infiltrate through soil and plant systems.
The County’s project GSI portfolio is continually expanding. Below you can find more information about the completed projects and the ones scheduled to start construction soon.
To learn more about how you can prepare for the upcoming “Super El Nino” wet weather season, please visit the Watershed Protection Program’s Storm Preparedness Resources website.
Two Projects Completed
The County’s Watershed Protection Program is proud to announce the completion of two Green Infrastructure projects that are already helping remove trash and pollutants from local watersheds. These projects are removing trash from the stormwater drainage and improving water quality for downstream communities.
South Mission Road (North Segment) Project 1 of 2
The first of two planned improvements along South Mission Road, this project installed an underground trash capture system and a biofiltration basin to remove trash and pollutants from stormwater runoff. The project also included sidewalk and roadway improvements that enhance safety and accessibility for the community. Visit the Project Webpage to learn more.
Rainbow Water Quality Project
The construction for this project was completed in August 2026 and the plant establishment is anticipated to be complete by the end of March 2027.
The project includes approximately 3,400 feet of subsurface wetland channels designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff from nearly 345 acres within the Santa Margarita Watershed. In addition to its water quality benefits, the project includes roadway and drainage enhancements along Huffstatler Street, 5th Street, and Rainbow Valley Boulevard, as well as 500 feet of new sidewalk, two ADA-accessible pedestrian ramps, and 27 reconstructed driveways to improve safety, accessibility and local connectivity.
Four Projects Breaking Ground in 2026
The Green Infrastructure Program continues to gain momentum with four additional projects scheduled to break ground in 2026.
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South Mission Road (North Segment) Project 2 of 2: The second phase of the South Mission Road improvements will install street trees and biofiltration basins to help filter pollutants from stormwater runoff and enhance the surrounding streetscape. Construction is expected to begin September 2026.
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Golf Club Drive Green Street Project: This project will install a biofiltration basin and trash capture system, along with sidewalk and roadway improvements that enhance both water quality and pedestrian safety. Construction is expected to begin September 2026.
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Cole Grade Road Water Quality Project: this project will add rain gardens and roadway improvements to help filter stormwater runoff and improve water quality in the community of Valley Center. It is expected to begin construction in Late 2026.
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Woodside Water Quality Basin Modifications & Trash Capture Project: This project will retrofit an existing basin to improve infiltration and pollutant removal while also installing an underground trash capture device to prevent trash and debris from reaching downstream waterways. Construction is expected to begin Late 2026
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