BMP Projects
Student Best Management Practices
A core part of the Stormwater Quality Leadership Program involves putting Best Management Practices (BMPs) into action. These BMPs are strategies designed to prevent or remove the amount of pollution in stormwater runoff. Explore real examples of BMPs students have designed and implemented within their community below:
Drain Improvements
One of the most important BMPs students learn how to implement is routine maintenance of catch basins around their campus. By treating school grounds as a micro-watershed, a smaller area within a larger watershed, students gain a practical understanding of how land use directly affects the health of nearby waterways. Catch basins are designed to collect rainwater while trapping trash, leaves, sediment, and other pollutants. Without regular maintenance, this debris can accumulate and eventually be washed into the storm system during rainfall, contributing to downstream pollution. To prevent this, students clean out the basins using proper safety equipment and procedures, gaining valuable hands-on experience while contributing to environmental protection.
In one recent cleanout, student leaders at Mission Viejo High School spent nearly three hours removing debris from a high-traffic drain, filling a 60-pound bag with debris that included wrappers, leaves, and layers of sediment. The effort not only reduced pollution risks on campus but gave students hands-on experience using proper safety procedures and professional maintenance tools.
At Los Alamitos High School, students recently investigated a high-traffic drain on campus that had unusually high levels of sediment and turbidity (cloudy water caused by suspended particles). To improve the condition of this drain, the student team proposed installing or upgrading mesh filters inside the catch basin to catch larger debris before it enters the drainage system, helping improve water quality downstream.
Through projects like these, students are not only learning about real-world industry practices, they are also actively making a difference in their communities by protecting water resources.
Bioretention Basins
Bioretention basins are a type of treatment control Best Management Practice (BMP) designed to reduce stormwater pollution through natural processes. These basins use a combination of vegetation, rocks, and soil media to capture, filter, and biologically degrade pollutants found in stormwater runoff. By slowing the flow of stormwater and allowing it to soak into the ground, bioretention basins help reduce runoff volume and improve infiltration. Additionally, they are effective at filtering out micro-pollutants and bacteria, supporting cleaner downstream waterways. When designing or proposing a bioretention area, our student leaders consider the size and capacity of the site to ensure it can effectively manage and treat anticipated stormwater volumes.
At San Clemente High School, our Stormwater Quality Leadership interns identified storm drains on campus that were impacted by high levels of coliform bacteria. In response, the students proposed the installation of a bioretention basin to capture and naturally treat stormwater from these areas. After assessing the campus layout, they determined that the school had suitable space to support a dedicated biofiltration system. Their plan not only addressed a key water quality concern but also demonstrated a scalable and sustainable solution for long-term stormwater treatment.
Drain Stencils
Updating and improving storm drain stencils is a highly effective Best Management Practice (BMP) for stormwater education and pollution prevention. Clear, compelling signage at storm drain inlets serves as a visual reminder that these drains are directly connected to our waterways. As part of the Stormwater Quality Leadership Program, student leaders have audited the condition and clarity of existing storm drain signage in their campus and communities. By identifying faded, unclear, or outdated messaging, students were empowered to design and propose improved stencil artwork that better communicates the environmental impact of runoff and improper disposal.
For example, our interns at San Dieguito Academy High School in Encinitas, California, identified the need for improved signage on their campus storm drains and created a revised stencil design emphasizing the direct connection between stormwater and local bodies of water. Their approach focused on increasing visibility, encouraging responsible behavior, and reinforcing environmental awareness. Impressed by the stencil design, the district’s facilities department adopted the stencil for use across all school sites. Students then presented the project to the Encinitas City Council, who approved the design for broader application throughout the city. This BMP implementation illustrates how student-led initiatives can directly improve the community while fostering both environmental awareness and civic engagement. To check out their design on the City of Encinitas’ website, click here.
Community Outreach
Demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship, students from Cypress High School in Orange County designed and implemented a campus-wide outreach initiative focused on storm drain pollution. Their project included the creation of educational posters and custom weatherproof decals installed near drainage points. With compelling visuals and targeted messaging, their campaign encourages long-term behavior change to help keep local waterways clean. They launched an innovative campus initiative called Trash4Cash, a cleanup program that rewards students for collecting litter. Through a creative point-based system, participants earn varying points based on the type of trash collected—ranging from general waste and recyclables to hazardous materials. This program not only keeps the campus clean but also encourages environmental responsibility through meaningful incentives.