Sewers vs. Storm Drains: Know the Difference

Sewers and storm drains serve distinct purposes and paths for water.

(Sanitary) Sewer: Clean & Treated – Inside the Home.
• Water from your sinks, showers, baths, toilets, and washing machines flows inside your house.
•Then, it travels through underground pipes in your neighborhood.
• Finally, it undergoes treatment at a local wastewater plant, removing pollutants and ensuring it's safe.
• Treated water is released back into the environment or recycled for various uses.

Storm Drains: Untreated – Outside the Home.
• Rainwater runoff and runoff from activities like car washing flow down the streets and gutters into storm drains.
• These drains lead directly to Roseville creeks, untreated.
• As a result, pollutants are deposited into these bodies of water.
• Polluted stormwater harms wildlife and our environment.
• Learn where runoff from your house drains here.

Understanding the systems makes a difference in protecting our environment!

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