Does stormwater flow through the same pipes as wastewater?

No. Stormwater flows directly into the creeks, rivers, and lakes without the benefit of treatment. Wastewater, however, is piped from the household directly to the wastewater treatment plant. For more on stormwater, visit www.OneThingIsClear.org.

Can paint, solvents, and used motor oil be safely disposed of into a stormwater system?

No. Only rainwater should be entering the stormwater system. Anything else could be considered an illicit discharge and a violation of local, state, and federal laws. Check with the Arapahoe County Health Department for more information on how to properly dispose of hazardous chemicals.

Are grass clippings, garden trimmings, and leaves a source of water pollution?

Yes. These items generally contain a high percentage of fertilizers and chemicals, which impacts the quality of water. Organic materials, such as grass clippings, deplete the oxygen level in the water, which is harmful to aquatic life. Yard waste can clog the storm drain system and cause flooding of neighborhood streets. Sweeping yard waste into the street or storm inlet could be considered an illicit discharge and a violation of local, state, and federal laws.

Do storm drain inlets remove pollutants?

No. Storm drain inlets, the metal grate and/or curb opening that allow surface water to enter the stormwater drainage system, are connected directly to storm pipes that flow straight into our creeks, rivers, and lakes.