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8/13/2019

Sanitary or storm sewer? That is the question!

5 Comments

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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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5 Comments
Braden Bills link
4/9/2021 11:11:16 am

My friend wants to start up a medical business, but he wants to ensure that he properly disposes of hazardous materials. It makes sense that he would want to have the right sanitary piping installed! That way, he doesn't risk dangerous chemicals going into the storm drain.

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Kristofer Van Wagner link
5/7/2021 03:46:46 pm

When looking for plumbing supplies, it is important for us to prioritize their sanitary level. It makes sense for us to be mindful of the level as it impacts the plumbing quality. I will keep this information in mind when I look for a supplier.

Reply
Jesse Ford link
9/29/2021 08:44:01 pm

Thank you for the clarification on where the different water pipes lead. I didn't know that storm sewers led back to other natural bodies of water. It makes sense though since I, for one, wouldn't want my sanitary sewage getting into lakes and rivers.

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Henry Killingsworth link
11/28/2022 04:45:33 pm

It was interesting to me when you talked about how sanitary sewers take waste to treatment plants. I would imagine that these sewer systems would need to have powerful pumps in order to transport waste. I would think that waste can be difficult to move through pipes sometimes, so a powerful pumping system would be needed.

Reply
Tex Hooper link
1/10/2023 10:46:33 pm

Great tip about making sure local streams are treated. My tank doesn't seem to be filtering correctly. I'll have to have it inspected.

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  • Home
    • About
    • Contact Us
    • Board Supervisors
    • Staff
    • NRCS
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Events
    • Vermicompost Workshop
    • Ohio River Listening Session
    • Agriculture Conservation Breakfast
    • Tree Sale
  • Services
    • Agriculture >
      • Land Preservation
      • Cover Crops
    • GIS/Mapping
    • Property Owner Assistance >
      • Drainage, Erosion & Pond Assistance
      • Soil Testing
      • Water Testing
      • Stormwater Basin Inspections
      • Backyard Conservation >
        • Ohio Native Plants
        • Rain Gardens
        • Rain Barrels
        • Composting
      • Illicit Discharge Detection Program
  • PERMITS
    • Earth Disturbing in Warren County >
      • Earth Disturbing Permit Application
    • Floodplain Management >
      • Floodplain Determination Request Form
      • Flood Applications, Forms & Documents
  • Education
    • Education Ambassador
    • Programs >
      • Classroom Programs
      • Youth Programs
      • Community Outreach
    • Virtual Classroom
    • Program Loan Portal
    • HS Envirothon >
      • Envirothon Grant Program
    • Educator Workshops
  • Caesar Creek Collaborative
    • Meet the Collaborative
    • Our Work
  • Blogs
    • Conservation Connection
    • Education Connection
    • Development Digest
  • Scholarship Opportunities