What is an illicit discharge?
An illicit discharge is an illegal discharge, connection, or tie-in to a storm sewer. Storm sewer systems are designed to convey storm water runoff to nearby lakes and streams. These systems generally do not treat runoff before it empties into a receiving water body. By dumping anything other than storm water into a storm drain, an illicit discharge takes place and is illegal.

The types of illicit discharges vary widely with some examples being:
  • Automotive fluids and household chemicals
  • Car wash, laundry, and other industrial wastewater
  • Sanitary wastewater (sewage)
  • Septic tank waste
  • Spills on roadways and other accidents

Show All Answers

1. What is an illicit discharge?
2. Why is an illicit discharge a problem?