What’s the difference between a sewer drain and a storm drain?

The sewer system and the storm drain system are two completely separate systems. The sewer system takes all household wastewater and routes it through a plumbing system into a treatment plant. The stormwater system routes rainwater off the streets, into the storm drains and may discharge into a bay, pond, stream or lake.

Show All Answers

1. What is stormwater runoff?
2. Why is stormwater runoff a problem?
3. Where does water pollution come from?
4. What are some examples of drainage problems?
5. What is the purpose of storm drains?
6. What’s the difference between a sewer drain and a storm drain?
7. Who owns the stormwater system?
8. What is an impervious area?
9. What are stormwater ponds?
10. Why do we have these ponds in our neighborhoods?
11. Why does my stormwater pond look scummy, turbid or have algae?
12. Can I swim in these ponds?
13. What can I do to help keep my pond looking clean and healthy?