Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?

No, storm drains and sanitary sewers have two distinct functions. Storm drains are intended to collect and transport runoff from rainfall. Storm drain systems do not remove pollutants from water before it is discharged into streams and rivers. These are typically the drains found in streets and in parking lots. Sanitary sewers collect wastewater from indoor plumbing such as toilets, sinks, washing machines and floor drains and take it to a sewage treatment plant. 

The treatment plant removes many pollutants from wastewater before it is discharged to the river.

Show All Answers

1. What is Lodi’s storm drain system?
2. What are catch basins or storm drain inlets?
3. Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?
4. Do drain inlets get cleaned out?
5. Why doesn’t the City clean out all the storm drain inlets right before a storm?
6. Why doesn’t the City install filters or screens in front of drain inlets?
7. What types of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?
8. What should I do if I see a neighbor, or know someone who’s throwing trash into a storm drain?