The Storm Drain System
There are two systems of drainage
. The Sanitary Sewer or Wastewater System, and the Storm Drain System. The Wastewater Sewage System takes household wastewater (such as water waste from sinks, toilets, washers, etc.) and carries it through a home's plumbing and into an underground sewer pipe. On the other hand, and as seen in the graphic below, the Storm Drain System carries discharge off of city streets and routes it into curb side catch basins. From there, it also enters another underground, but completely separate system.
Sanitary Sewer System
Household wastewater enters the sanitary sewer system and drains to a treatment facility.
Storm Drain System
Street surface runoff enters the storm drain system and drains directly to our waterways, untreated!
The Problem
Illegal dumping in the streets and in the storm drain system is one of the largest contributors to water pollution in the country. Exposed open channels and catch basins are often easy targets for illegal dumping and "convenient" trash disposal. Soiled diapers, shopping carts, yard waste and used oil containers are just some of the many items tossed into the channels from above. When it rains, water runoff will carry these items through the storm drain system and eventually make its way into our water resources. Water runoff from irrigation and washing activities at homes and businesses also carry pollutants into the storm drain system.
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Storm Water Hits Since December 18, 2007