Storm Drain Detectives and Lodi Lake

The Storm Drain Detectives is a community-based, educational program in Lodi, California, that plays a key role in monitoring and protecting the water quality of the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake. Established in 2000, the program involves teachers, students (primarily from Lodi’s high schools and middle schools), and community members, working in partnership with the City of Lodi’s Public Works Department[1].

Connection to Lodi Lake:

  • Lodi Lake is directly connected to the city’s stormwater system. Storm drains north of Lockeford Street, as well as those in the eastern portion of Lodi (east of Central Avenue and north of Kettleman Lane), flow into the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake[2].

  • This means that any pollutants or runoff from city streets can end up in Lodi Lake, impacting its water quality and ecosystem[2].

Program Activities:

  • The Storm Drain Detectives conduct monthly water quality tests, visual assessments, and toxicity tests at several sites where stormwater enters the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake[1][5].

  • They measure indicators such as dissolved oxygen, turbidity, temperature, pH, conductivity, and toxicity to assess the health of the water and the impact of stormwater runoff[2].

  • The program follows a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) approved by the State Water Resource Control Board, ensuring that data collection is reliable and scientifically valid[1].

Educational and Community Impact:

  • The program is designed to raise public awareness about the impact of stormwater on local waterways and to encourage responsible behavior, such as not dumping pollutants into storm drains[2][5].

  • Students gain hands-on experience in environmental science, data collection, and public service, often presenting their findings to the community and city officials[5].

  • The Storm Drain Detectives have contributed valuable data used in city planning, such as specifications for Lodi’s Surface Water Treatment Plant and compliance with state water quality regulations[5].

Recognition:

  • The program has received awards for its role in engaging youth and the community in watershed stewardship, including the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government[5].

In summary, the Storm Drain Detectives program is integral to monitoring and protecting Lodi Lake by tracking the quality of water entering it through the city’s storm drains, educating the public, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship in Lodi[1][5].

Sources

[1] Storm Drain Detectives | Lodi, CA https://www.lodi.gov/492/Storm-Drain-Detectives

[2] Goals | Lodi, CA https://www.lodi.gov/498/Goals

[3] Category: Storm Drain Detectives - City of Lodi Watershed Program https://lodiwatershed.com/index.php/category/storm-drain-detectives/

[4] Educational Resources - City of Lodi Watershed Program https://lodiwatershed.com/index.php/edu-resources/

[5] Lodi's Storm Drain Detectives Monitor Water Quality https://www.westerncity.com/article/lodis-storm-drain-detectives-monitor-water-quality

[6] [PDF] City of Lodi Stormwater Management Program https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/swmp/lodi_swmp.pdf

[7] 2019 Storm Drain Detectives Monitoring Program Overview - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfhgDL15wMU

[8] Storm Drain Detectives - Lodi EEI https://lodieei.wordpress.com/category/storm-drain-detectives/