The goal of the City’s Stormwater Management Program is to ensure that the City’s storm drainage system is properly functioning to help prevent flooding and protect water quality.
Stormwater Management
Storm Drain System vs. Sanitary Sewer System
Storm drain and sanitary sewer systems have two distinct functions, and it is important to understand the difference.
Curbs and gutters establish the grades for roadways and collect water from rain and runoff. Curbs provide a separation between roadways and pedestrian travelways, while gutters typically move water from the roadway to stormwater catch basins or drains.
Storm Drain System
Catch basins are the entryway into the Storm Drain System and are typically located at the bottom of a hill or at street corners. This system collects and transports water and other liquids away from these areas and into local waterways untreated.
The Storm Drain System does not remove pollutants from water before it is discharged. Nothing besides clean water should be dumped or allowed to flow into a storm drain.
Sanitary Sewer System
The Sanitary Sewer System collects wastewater from indoor plumbing such as sinks, toilets, washing machines, and floor drains. Wastewater is transported through underground pipes to a wastewater treatment plant, where many pollutants are removed before the treated water is discharged.
Improper disposal of animal, household, and yard waste can be harmful to the environment, hazardous to public health, and may violate state and federal law.
Waste materials from homes and businesses may include paint, pesticides, fertilizers, lawn and garden clippings, animal waste, cleansers, and many more. Even water-soluble cleaning products may contain chemicals that are harmful to aquatic life and drinking water supplies.
