FAQs

What is the difference between Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drainage Systems?: Sanitary sewer system collects wastewater from indoor plumbing such as sinks, toilets, washing machines, and floor drains and it is transported through underground pipes to a sewer treatment plant where pollutants are removed from the wastewater before it is discharged into the river. Storm Drainage Systems collect and transport the water and is transported through underground pipes that discharge directly into local waterways such as creeks and rivers.

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Public Works

1. What percentage of the Earth's Surface is covered by Water?: 80%. Only 3% of the Earth's water is fresh water and only 1% of the Earth's water is suitable for drinking water.

2. Does the behavior of individuals contribute to MORE storm water pollution?: Yes. The behavior of individuals contribute to more storm water pollution than businesses, industry, and large public enterprise. Water that flows from households during rainstorms will flush pesticides, fertilizers, pert waste, litter, automobile fluid, oil and other pollutants into storm drains. Allowing these pollutants into the storm drains system is harmful to our environment and our quality of life!

3. Can oil be dumped down the storm drains?: No. One gallon of oil can contaminate up to 1 MILLION gallons of water.

4. What is the difference between Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drainage Systems?: Sanitary sewer system collects wastewater from indoor plumbing such as sinks, toilets, washing machines, and floor drains and it is transported through underground pipes to a sewer treatment plant where pollutants are removed from the wastewater before it is discharged into the river. Storm Drainage Systems collect and transport the water and is transported through underground pipes that discharge directly into local waterways such as creeks and rivers.