Storm Water Management

Pyrethroid Pesticide Use Within the City of Shasta Lake

In 2017, the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB) passed Resolution R5-2017-0057, establishing a Pyrethroid Pesticide Control Program to control the discharging of pyrethroid pesticides throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins to protect aquatic life. Pyrethroids are a class of synthetic insecticides found in household pesticides sold in common retail locations and are approved for use by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Pyrethroids remain in the environment significantly longer than naturally derived pyrethrin, which means they are susceptible to being transported by surface runoff into surrounding aquatic environments. A recent report has found that pyrethroid concentrations in urban storm drain discharges frequently exceeded water quality standards, and these elevated concentrations were determined to be toxic to aquatic life.

In response to these new findings, the City of Shasta Lake (City) is implementing a Pyrethroid Management Plan to reduce pyrethroid levels in the City’s runoff. Pyrethroid-based pesticides can still be used and sold within city limits, but the City is encouraging everyone to reduce their use and businesses to reduce their sales of pyrethroid-based products. The City, in cooperation with the State Water Boards, has provided information and links below about clean waterways, what is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and alternatives to chemical pest controls. The health of aquatic species in our creeks, streams, and rivers is an important component to recreation in the area as well as biodiversity of the waterways.

To view the City's Pyrethroid Management Plan, click here

  1. Residential
  2. Businesses
  3. Pest Control Companies

As a resident, you can contribute to clean waterways by:

1. Clicking here to learn some basics about keeping our water clean.

2. Using alternative, naturally derived pesticides such as pyrethrin or Safer soap. Click here to learn about less-toxic pest control methods.

3. Using integrated pest management (IPM) practices, such as predatory insects, around your home and garden. Click here for information on IPM practices.

4. Reducing pesticide applications and avoid using them during the rainy season.

5. Utilizing landscape management practices, such as buffers and infiltration, to reduce the potential for pesticides applied to the ground from washing off your property.

6. Reducing runoff from your property through irrigation management to prevent dry-weather storm water runoff.

7. Working with a licensed pest control company that can evaluate your pest problem and provide targeted solutions.

For More Information Visit These Pages -


     University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources web link California department of pesticide regulation web linkUniversity of California Integrated Pest Management web link