Programs & Outreach

Public Works Programs and Outreach

Adopt-A-Road

The Adopt-A-Road program allows the public to directly contribute to roadside maintenance through litter collection and removal. In addition to the aesthetic benefits of cleaner and more beautiful roadsides, participants help to prevent potential pollutants from entering our waterways. Participating in the Adopt-A-Road program is a great way to promote civic responsibility and community pride.

Bridge Maintenance and Replacement Program

The Bridge Design Group executes the County’s Capital Plan for the improvement of the County’s bridges, culverts and other structures through the effective and economic utilization of human and fiscal resources in the preparation and review of engineering reports, detailed design plans, technical specifications and construction contract documents.

Central Coast Clean

The Central Coast Clean anti-littering educational campaign was launched across San Luis Obispo County in October 2020 with unified support and partnership between all seven incorporated cities and the County. The campaign spotlights the detrimental impacts of litter on community public spaces and natural areas and promotes sustainable alternatives and best practices.

Contrail How-To Videos

Videos outlining how to use the County's real-time rain and stream monitoring service at https://wr.slocountywater.org

Cooperative Road Improvement Program

The Cooperative Road Improvement Program was put in place to help local residents upgrade existing unpaved County maintained roads to paved roads or bring roads to a County standard for acceptance into the maintained system.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

The California Department of Transportation, through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), requires the County of San Luis Obispo to adopt and execute a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program for the hiring of disadvantaged businesses for projects receiving Federal-aid funds. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are defined as those for-profit small businesses where 51% of the business (as defined by the United States Small Business Administration) is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

Current Engineering Job Openings

Public Works employs civil engineers and surveyors in many roles across six different work groups.  Currently, we are seeking to fill the following positions.  To submit an application click here

 

Invasive Mussels

Outlines the ongoing Quagga/Zebra mussel programs throughout San Luis Obispo County.

Lake Nacimiento Mussel Inspection Program

Boat inspection program for Lake Nacimiento to prevent the spread of Quagga and Zebra Mussels.

Lopez Lake and Santa Margarita Mussel Inspection Program

Boat inspection program for Lopez Lake and Santa Margarita Lake to prevent the spread of Quagga and Zebra Mussels.

Lake Nacimiento Resident Vessel Program

Additional feature of the Mussel Prevention Program available to participating, eligible private launch ramps at Lake Nacimiento.

Live Water and Weather Data

Live weather and water information including Stream, Rain and Reservoir levels in San Luis Obispo County.

Los Osos Low Income Financial Assistance Program

This program provides financial assistance (up to 50% of the annual sewer service charge component) to low income households in the Los Osos community.

Los Osos Water Conservation Rebate Program - For Homeowner Installation

To date, Public Works has spent 1.6 million dollars on the water conservation program. The goal of reducing indoor water usage to 50 gallons per day per person has been achieved (current indoor water usage is now 40 gallons per person). 

We continue to find ways to achieve a sustainable groundwater basin. Public Works coordinates groundwater sustainable efforts with the Los Osos Basin Management Committee.

Public Works continues to issue rebates for conserving water for customers in the sewer service area by issuing rebates for water efficient toilets, showerheads, washing machines, hot water recirculation systems, complete gray water systems and laundry only gray water systems.

Please refer to your water purveyor or State for other water saving rebate. Please visit www.slocountywater.org for more information.

If you wish to apply for a rebate for plumber installed fixtures and retrofits please see the Plumber Installation Rebate service.

 

Los Osos Water Conservation Rebate Program - For Plumber Installation

To date, Public Works has spent 1.6 million dollars on the water conservation program. The goal of reducing indoor water usage to 50 gallons per day per person has been achieved (current indoor water usage is now 40 gallons per person). 

We continue to find ways to achieve a sustainable groundwater basin. Public Works coordinates groundwater sustainable efforts with the Los Osos Basin Management Committee.

Public Works continues to issue rebates for conserving water for customers in the sewer service area by issuing rebates for water efficient toilets, showerheads, washing machines, hot water recirculation systems, complete gray water systems and laundry only gray water systems.

Please refer to your water purveyor or State for other water saving rebate. Please visit www.slocountywater.org for more information.

If you wish to apply for a rebate for homeowner installed fixtures and retrofits please see the Homeowner Installation Rebate service.

 

Los Osos Water Recycling Facility Tours

Schedule a Tour at our Los Osos Water Recycling Facility.

North Coast Watersheds

North Coast Planning Area contains 5 Watersheds

North County Watersheds

North County Planning Area contains 11 Watersheds

Road Maintenance Requests

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is responsible for maintenance and installation of signal lights, road signs, and road striping, in addition to roadway maintenance and improvements. A request should be submitted to report problems and concerns with County maintained signals, signs, striping, and other road maintenance issues including potholes or roadway surface treatment.

South County Watersheds

South County Planning Area contains 9 Watersheds

Stormwater Dry Well or Infiltrator Registration

Dry wells and other sub-surface stormwater infiltration practices/technologies serving uses other than single-family homes are considered Class V wells, subject to US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regulations. Typically, Class V wells are shallow wells used to place a variety of fluids directly below the land surface. By definition, a well is “any bored, drilled, driven shaft, or dug hole that is deeper than its widest surface dimension, or an improved sinkhole, or a subsurface fluid distribution system” and an “injection well” is a “well” into which “fluids” are being injected (40 CFR §144.3).  A guide can be found here: Class V Well Guide.

Stormwater dry wells and other sub-surface stormwater infiltration practices/technologies may be authorized to operate as long as they are registered with the US EPA, and only inject uncontaminated stormwater. The County of San Luis Obispo currently requires Class V Well registration as part of permitting new development.

Stormwater Requirements for New Construction

Development Services Division ensures site plans incorporate the appropriate post-construction stormwater runoff controls. Staff can assist applicants with determining which State requirements apply to their project and provide reference resources for achieving compliance. Applicants are advised to consider post-construction runoff requirements during the site design process.

Wastewater Facility Odor Complaint Form

The County is seeking assistance from citizens in identifying odor-related issues in the community. Please be our noses and report nuisance odors by calling us or filling out this form during (or as soon as possible) the smell is noticed. When speaking with staff, please be prepared to report the following: Name and phone number Date, time and location when the odor was present

Water Conservation

Water conservation is an effort to use our limited natural resource of water wisely and responsibly for our current and future needs. Whether or not we are in a drought, fresh, clean water is a scarce resource and every drop counts. Through long-term planning and education, we are Making Water Conservation A Way Of Life. Tips on how to conserve water can be found here.

Water Information Directory

Your one-stop shop to anything water related in San Luis Obispo County and more.  Below, you'll find links to webpages with information about water sources, providers, management efforts and many other topics. We hope you can find what you're looking for!