FAQs for Businesses/Industry

Q.	Is there a difference between the storm drain and sewer system?
	A.	Yes, an important difference. Stormwater and all the pollutants that flow from our homes, parking lots and streets to the gutter into the storm drains discharge directly into our creeks and other water bodies… untreated. Water and pollutants that flow into the sanitary sewer, such as water from our bathtubs and toilet, are sent to wastewater treatment facilities before the water is discharged into local creeks and rivers.
Q.	Leaves and yard clippings are organic. Why can’t I put them down the storm drain?
	A.	When organic and/or yard waste decays in water, the “breakdown” process removes oxygen from the water that is necessary for the health of all aquatic species from microorganisms to fish. Essentially, it robs the aquatic life of oxygen and suffocates them.
Q.	Why shouldn’t I wash cars in a parking lot for my mobile detailing business, I use biodegradable soap?
	A.	When washing cars, the water runoff can enter the storm drains. This puts pollutants such as grease, dirt, oil, metals and soap into local creeks. Even biodegradable soaps require oxygen to breakdown, depleting our creeks of the oxygen fish and other organisms need to survive. Also, just because the soap breaks down, doesn’t mean it breaks down into components that should be in the water. It is best to wash cars at a car wash where the water is discharged to the sanitary sewer system or wash the car on a lawn or other surface where the water can be drained down and filtered through the soil.
Q.	It’s ok to rinse my paint supplies out in the gutter, right?
	A.	No, it is not OK. All paint equipment needs to be cleaned in a sink that is plumbed to the sanitary sewer. Any sink should do. Also, water based paints can be dried out an put in the garbage. But, oil-based paints should be disposed of at a household hazardous waste site.
Q.	What am I supposed to do with my dirty mop water; I don’t want to dump it in my clean sink.
	A.	If something is too dirty for you to want to dump in in a sink, it is definitely not acceptable for the storm drain. The water should go into the sink or pour it onto the landscaping or dirt to soak into the ground. Remember, only rain down the storm drain!