Air Pollution in Walnut Creek 

Walnut Creek is taking actions to improve air and water quality to reduce negative impacts on our health and wellness.

As a large urban area, our potential for air pollution is high. The City is particularly prone to high ozone levels in the summer, when ozone and its precursors drift into Walnut Creek from the more densely urbanized parts of the Bay Area. Air pollution causes asthma and other chronic health problems; these effects are particularly harmful to children, whose lungs are still developing.

Although federal and state laws establish regulations for major sources of pollution, air quality is regulated at a regional level – with a primary focus on reducing emissions. Walnut Creek recognizes the bottom-up nature of pollution – that the cumulative results of transportation and land use policies can assist regional air quality planning and accomplishments. To learn more about our action on air quality, review our Sustainability Action Plan.

The City’s goals to protect air quality include:

• Strive to meet state and federal air-quality standards for the region

• Work with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and the county in promoting better air quality

• Participate in the BAAQMD Spare the Air program

BAAQMD's Spare the Air program alerts Bay Area residents when pollution levels are forecast to be unhealthy. On Spare the Air days, it is illegal to burn wood and highly recommended that residents avoid driving as much as possible, in order to limit the amount of additional pollution in the air. One suggested method for limiting driving on Spare the Air days is working remotely, for those who have that option.

Bay Area residents can sign up for email or text alerts, or check the Spare the Air website or the free Spare the Air app, in order to access updates on Spare the Air days and air quality information.

PIedge to be Idle-Free!

The idea that it is better for your car's engine to idle than to be shut off and turned on again is actually a myth. The reality is the opposite-- excessive idling can damage your engine. Check out this fact sheet from Idle Free Bay Area for more information.

You can save money, reduce air pollution, and help everyone, including children, breathe easier just by turning a key! Turn off your car engine if you’ll be sitting for more than 30 seconds in a parking lot or at a car wash, drive-thru, or pickup spot such as a school. You’ll save gas and money and help Spare the Air!

Turn your engine off while you're parked if you have to wait more than 30 seconds to pick up food and other items. Not only will you help spare the air, but by preventing your car from being idle, you’ll save fuel and money while taking into consideration the health and well-being of the people around you!