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  5. Water Wise: Preventing Illicit Discharges

Water Wise: Preventing Illicit Discharges

Be sure to follow these guidelines to prevent illicit discharges.
Image of a storm drain during rainy weather

Rainwater and snowmelt carried through the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) discharges directly to waterways. In MS4 areas, what enters a storm sewer will continue to our rivers, harming local water quality, wildlife, and more.

Any unauthorized discharge from our MS4 system that is not composed entirely of stormwater is an illicit discharge and is prohibited. Follow these guidelines to prevent illicit discharges:

  • Never dump vehicle fluids, household chemicals, paint, animal waste, car wash soap, litter, grass, leaves, or fats, oils, and grease into storm drains.
  • Contact us regarding sanitary, restaurant waste, or industrial wastewater lines connected to the storm sewer system.
  • Only the following uncontaminated water sources are permitted to enter a storm sewer: dechlorinated fire hydrant and water line flushing, lawn watering, uncontaminated groundwater, residential car rinsing (no cleaners), and HVAC condensate.

Report illicit discharges via our Report an Issue Form.

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