STORM SEWER VS. SANITARY SEWER
Johnson City has two separate municipal wastewater collection systems: the storm sewer system and the sanitary sewer system, both located underground.
Sanitary Sewer: Carries waste from homes and businesses (such as from toilets and sinks) to a wastewater treatment plant, where it is treated before being discharged into local water bodies.
Storm Sewer: Carries stormwater runoff after rain events to reduce flooding. However, storm drains carry this untreated stormwater directly to local waterways.
Both systems are regulated by TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) through the Division of Water Resources. The sanitary sewer operates under the POTW (Publicly Owned Treatment Works) permit, while the storm sewer operates under the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit.
HOW TO PREVENT POLLUTION IN OUR WATERWAYS
Recycle used oil, antifreeze, and batteries. Clean up spills immediately using cat litter or sawdust, and be sure to sweep them up.
Wash your car on grass so water, detergent, and dirt get filtered by the soil. Or better yet, use a commercial car wash where the water is treated.
Rinse paint brushes used with water-based paint in the sink. For leftover paint, stuff it with newspaper, let it dry completely, and then dispose of it in the trash.
Clean up after your pet using a bag or scooper while out for walks.
Follow label instructions for disposing of household cleaners, pesticides, and herbicides.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Do not pour motor oil, gas, antifreeze, paints, grease, chemicals, solvents, herbicides, or pesticides into a storm drain.
Do not wash your car on the streets, where water, detergent, and dirt will flow into the storm drain.
Do not leave grass clippings in the street, as they can be washed into storm drains and end up in waterways, potentially causing algae blooms.
Do not dump pollutants in storm drains, ditches or waterways.
18-703. (2) Prohibition of illicit discharges. a) No person shall introduce or cause to be introduced into the municipal separate storm sewer system any discharge that is not composed entirely of stormwater. The commencement, conduct, or continuance of any non-stormwater discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system is prohibited.
Improperly disposing of household detergents, cooking grease, cleaning products, chemicals, or paints.
Leaking sewage or wastewater from failing or illegal septic systems.
Discharging commercial/industrial grease, concrete, or hazardous materials into drains.
Allowing pet waste, detergents, yard debris, or chemicals to wash into drains.
Discharging pool or spa water into drains.
WHAT IS AN ILLICIT
DISCHARGE?
Illicit discharge is defined as any unauthorized or illegal release of pollutants or non-stormwater substances into a storm municipal sewer system, ditch, or waterway.
Unlike rainwater, which is meant to flow through storm drains, illicit discharges introduce harmful contaminants that can degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.
Preventing these discharges helps keep our environment and waterways clean for everyone.
MYTH:
Water that runs off streets and parking lots goes directly to a wastewater treatment plant for pollutant removal.
FACT:
Stormwater usually receives no treatment before re-entering the water cycle.
These substances can enter waterways through rain,
Illicit discharges not only harm
but also negatively impact the appearance of waterways.
waterways clean.
A guide to preventing pollutants from entering waterways through stormwater runoff.
