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8/13/2019

Sanitary or storm sewer? That is the question!

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Often people think that disposing of waste liquids, products, etc. down a drain is ideal because eventually it all gets cleaned out at a wastewater treatment plant. After all, all drains go to the same place right? The answer to that question however is NO.
 
It is important to understand the difference between sanitary sewers and storm sewers so we can protect our water resources.  The sanitary sewer is a system of subsurface pipes that carries sewage from bathrooms, sinks, kitchens, and other plumbing components to a wastewater treatment plant where it is filtered and treated before being discharged. 
 
The storm sewer however is a system designed to carry rainfall runoff and other drainage. It is not designed to carry sewage or hazardous wastes that can enter the environment as pollution. The runoff is carried in subsurface pipes and/or open ditches and discharges untreated into local streams, rivers and other surface water bodies. Storm drain inlets are typically found in curbs and low-lying outdoor areas. Some older buildings have basement floor drains that connect to the storm sewer system. (MSU WATER)
 
Disposal of chemicals or hazardous substances to the storm sewer system damages the environment. Motor oil, cleaners, paints and other common household items that get into storm drains can poison fish, birds, and other wildlife, and can find their way into drinking water supplies. In addition, grass clippings, leaves, litter, and organic matter can clog storm drains, cause flooding, and increase nutrient pollution in waterways.  You may have seen storm drain tags placed by Warren County SWCD reminding people "Only Rain Down the Drain" and other similar messaging to help protect our environment and water resources.

There are a wide range of things people can do at home to help safeguard our water sources; from installation of rain gardens and rain barrels to slow down stormwater runoff to washing your car NOT in the impervious driveway.  But simply put, only rain water should enter our storm drains!

To find out more about what you can do to help prevent water pollution, visit our Partners at Save Local Waters!


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  • Home
    • About
    • Contact Us
    • Board Supervisors
    • Staff
    • NRCS
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Upcoming Programs/Events
    • Ag Tour
    • Future Conservationist Day Camp
    • Introduction to Kayaking
    • Lebanon Oktoberfest
    • Stream Clean Ups
    • Stream Encounters
    • Summer Contests
    • Urban Chat Series
    • Warren Water Striders
    • Women for the Land
    • Partner Events
  • Services
    • EQUIPMENT RENTAL
    • For Residents >
      • Drainage, Erosion & Pond Assistance
      • Soil Testing
      • Water Testing
      • Stormwater Basin Inspections
      • Maps & Historic Aerial Images
      • Backyard Conservation >
        • Ohio Native Plants
        • Pollinator Pathways
        • Rain Gardens
        • Rain Barrels
        • Composting
    • For Agriculture Producers >
      • Nutrient Management
      • Land Preservation
      • Cover Crops
      • Cover Crop Incentive Program
      • GIS/Mapping
      • Caesar Creek Collaborative >
        • Meet the Collaborative
        • Our Work
    • 2024 H2Ohio Program
    • For Businesses >
      • Stormwater Basin Inspections
    • For Municipalities >
      • Illicit Discharge Detection Program
      • Operation Rain Garden Grants
  • PERMITS
    • Earth Disturbing in Warren County >
      • Earth Disturbing Permit Application
    • Floodplain Management >
      • Floodplain Determination Request Form
      • Flood Applications, Forms & Documents
  • Education
    • Programs >
      • Classroom Programs
      • Youth Programs
      • Community Outreach
    • Virtual Classroom
    • Urban Conservation Learning Lab
    • Dagmar the Dragonfly
    • Turtle Education Ambassador
    • Program Loan Portal
    • Scholarship Opportunities
    • HS Envirothon
    • Educator Workshops
  • Blogs
    • Conservation Connection
    • Development Digest
    • Education Connection