Canyon Watch
Volunteer
Prevent pollution at its source by becoming a Canyon Watch volunteer! Sewer lines in urban canyons can leak, eventually contaminating the oceans and bays. Canyon Watchers hike canyons monthly, looking for sewage spills while inspecting manholes, then provide feedback through an online report form.Volunteering is easy! You can choose to "adopt" a particular canyon and monitor it routinely, or you can pick a new canyon to explore and monitor each time. There are 16 canyons to choose from throughout San Diego County. It's easy and flexible according to your needs and schedule.
- Complete the Volunteer Application and indicate which canyon(s) you are interested in monitoring.
- Download the Pollution Prevention Volunteer Waiver and return it to SDOF. You cannot volunteer for this program until you complete and return the Volunteer Application and Canyon Watch Volunteer waiver.
- Select the Canyon Guide for the canyon of your choice, then follow the instructions within the guide - checking each manhole along the way. If you notice any odors, foam or discharge, vandalized or unsecured manholes or exposed sewer pipes, note the manhole number and location in your Monitoring Notes.
- After each hike, fill out the Canyon Watch Field Report and indicate any findings. YOU MUST FILL OUT THE REPORT, EVEN IF EVERYTHING IS OK. as this is the only way we can track volunteer participation and is important for developing a timeline of events in case of a spill.
Please report any spills or leakage immediately and directly to the City's Sewer Emergency Hotline at (619) 515- 3525.
Show your pride as you hike! Canyon Watch merchandise is available!
Canyon Guides
47th Street*
Acuna
Adobe Falls
Buchanan*
Carroll*
Crest*
Dove*
Juniper
Kearny Mesa*
Lake Murray
Los Penasquitos (East)
Los Penasquitos (Mid)
Los Penasquitos (West)
Mission Gorge
Murray Ridge
Navajo
North Arrroyo*
Paradise
Rose
Ruffin
San Clemente (East)
San Clemente (West)
Shepherd
Stevenson*
Swan
Switzer
Tecolote (East)
Tecolote (Lower)
Tecolote (Upper)
Tecolote (Mid)
Van Nuys
Washington Creek
*These canyon guides are currently being developed and are not yet available.