SMC Office of Sustainability

It’s that time of year again for San Mateo Resource Conservation District’s (RCD) biggest volunteer water quality sampling event - First Flush! First Flush is the first big rain of the season where polluted stormwater enters the storm drains and flows into the ocean. We are looking for adventurous volunteers to record data and collect water samples between Montara and Half Moon Bay. The samples will be evaluated for bacteria, metals, and nutrients which can negatively impact humans and wildlife.

First Flush is expected to occur sometime between late September and late October and volunteers are on call during this time until the event takes place. No experience is necessary but training is recommended and will be provided on September 20th from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Resource Conservation District (RCD) office in Half Moon Bay. Please see the attached First Flush PDF document for additional information on this opportunity.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact Julian Carroll at 650-712-7765 ext 117 or Julian@sanmateorcd.org.