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1. What is Lodi’s storm drain system?

Lodi’s storm drain system is made up of the street gutters that flow to the catch basins, the pipelines that carry the water to outfall lines or pump stations which then forward the water to the Mokelumne River, storm drain detention basins or Woodbridge Irrigation District Canal. If water goes to the basins, it is eventually pumped out to the WID canal and river. Remember, these basins are used as parks when they aren’t holding stormwater. Residuals from the stormwater will remain on the grass and any toxics could harm children and pets.

2. What are catch basins or storm drain inlets?

Catch basins and storm drain inlets are curbside receptacles whose sole function is to catch surface water runoff from rainfall and deliver it to the storm drain system, where it is eventually delivered to rivers and other waterways.

3. 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.

4. Do drain inlets get cleaned out?

Yes, City crews maintain approximately 110 miles of storm drain pipelines citywide.

5. Why doesn’t the City clean out all the storm drain inlets right before a storm?

There are too many for City crews to clean in a short period of time. Storm drain inlets are maintained on a year-round schedule.

6. Why doesn’t the City install filters or screens in front of drain inlets?

It sounds like a good idea, but during a rainstorm, trash is quickly swept into drain inlets. Any screen or filtration device placed in front of the drain inlet would cause trash to accumulate and clog the grate, preventing proper drainage and potentially creating a flood hazard. City maintenance crews would be unable to keep up with cleaning these devices potentially creating flooding hazards. However, there are new technologies being developed in the form of filtration or screening devices to be installed and inserted inside catch basins. The Stormwater Program Engineering groups are always evaluating these new technologies for possible future use.

7. What types of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?

A few examples of the pollutants typically found in the storm drain system are:

• Antifreeze
• Dead Animals
• Fertilizers
• Heavy Metals
• Human and Animal Feces
• Motor Oil
• Paint Thinner and Paint Products
• Pesticides

These pollutants can eventually find their way to our basin parks, the Mokelumne River and the Delta.

8. What should I do if I see a neighbor, or know someone who’s throwing trash into a storm drain?

Storm drains are designed for catching rain water only. Dumping trash or other pollutants down storm drain inlets is illegal and is a violation of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 as well as the City of Lodi’s Stormwater Ordinance. If a neighbor is disposing of trash in the storm drain, they may not understand that drain inlets directly connect to our rivers. If you have an amicable relationship with your neighbor, it may be just a matter of informing and making them aware of its environmental impact. If it is someone who you feel is knowingly violating and repeatedly dumping into storm drains, please call the City of Lodi at 368-5735.

Dumping used oil into the storm drain system is illegal. One gallon of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water. All city residents can recycle up to two gallons at a time of used, uncontaminated motor oil free by taking it to Central Valley Waste Services at 1333 E Turner Road.