What things can enter a storm drain?

Discharges from emergency fire-fighting vehicles

Rising ground waters

Uncontaminated groundwater

Drinking water line flushing

Uncontaminated landscaping irrigation/irrigation water/lawn watering

Uncontaminated springs

Uncontaminated footing drains and pumps

Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands

Street wash waters resulting from normal street cleaning operations

Discharges within the constraints of (and allowed from) a NPDES permit from TDEC


Unlike wastewater, which is treated before it is released back into the environment, stormwater goes directly into a community’s streams and lakes.  Because stormwater comes in large amounts at unpredictable times, treating it as wastewater would be very expensive.  However, there are Best Management Practices (BMP) which can reduce the impact of stormwater.

Show All Answers

1. What is the stormwater drainage system and why is there a fee?
2. Why has a stormwater utility fee been implemented?
3. Where does our money go for stormwater projects?
4. How often is the stormwater user fee/charge updated?
5. If I disagree with the amount I am being charged, what do I do?
6. I am renting an apartment or house. Do I have to pay this charge?
7. What are things that should never enter a storm drain? Examples include but are not limited to:
8. What things can enter a storm drain?
9. Why is stormwater a problem?
10. What is the City's responsibility for stormwater?
11. Why is this a stormwater fee and not a property tax increase?
12. I have a detention pond on my property. Will the utility be responsible for the maintenance of the pond?
13. Are stormwater and sewer systems the same thing?
14. What is watershed?
15. Why is it important to protect a watershed?