What Is Allowed in Storm Drains?

Allowed
  • Air conditioning condensation
  • De-chlorinated swimming pool discharges
  • Discharge from potable water sources
  • Diverted stream flows
  • Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands
  • Footing drains
  • Foundation drains
  • Individual resident car washing
  • Irrigation water, springs
  • Landscape irrigation
  • Lawn watering
  • Residential building wash waters, without detergents
  • Rising ground waters
  • Street wash water
  • Uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined at 40 CFR 35.2005(20))
  • Uncontaminated pumped ground water
  • Water from crawl space pumps
  • Water line flushing
Not Allowed
  • All industrial discharges
  • Commercial car wash water
  • Improperly disposed auto / household toxins
  • Improperly disposed oil
  • Laundry waste water
  • Leaves
  • Litter
  • Paint
  • Pet waste
  • Radiator flush water
  • Roadway accident spills
  • Sand
  • Sanitary waste water
  • Septic tank effluent

For More Information
To report any illegal dumping into the storm drain system, please contact James White at the Board of Health by phone at 508-647-6460. For general stormwater questions, please contact John Digiacomo with Engineering by phone at 508-647-6551.