Sanitary Sewer vs. Storm Sewer: Which is which?
When it comes to wastewater management, understanding the differences between sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems is crucial. These two systems serve distinct purposes, and choosing the right one is essential for effective wastewater management and environmental protection.
In this blog, we will explore the key differences between sanitary sewers and storm sewers, helping you to understand which system is suited for.
Sanitary Sewer System
A sanitary sewer system is designed to carry wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries to a treatment facility. This system handles the wastewater generated from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines, and other plumbing fixtures.
The primary purpose of a sanitary sewer system is to transport sewage safely and efficiently to prevent contamination of the environment and protect public health.
Components and Characteristics:
- Pipes and Manholes: Sanitary sewer systems consist of a network of pipes that carry wastewater from buildings to a treatment facility. Manholes are installed at various points to provide access for maintenance and inspection.
- Gravity and Pump Systems: In most cases, sanitary sewers rely on gravity to move wastewater through the system. However, in areas with challenging topography, pumps may be used to assist in transporting sewage to the treatment plant.
- Treatment Process: Once the wastewater reaches the treatment facility, it undergoes several processes to remove contaminants and produce clean water that can be safely released into the environment.
Typical Applications:
- Residential areas, where households generate wastewater that needs to be treated.
- Commercial establishments like restaurants, offices, and shopping centers, where significant volumes of wastewater are produced.
- Industrial facilities that generate process wastewater requiring specialized treatment.
Sanitary sewer systems are regulated by strict codes and standards to ensure they operate safely and effectively.
These regulations are designed to protect public health and the environment by preventing the release of untreated sewage.
Storm Sewer System
A storm sewer system, on the other hand, is designed to handle rainwater and runoff from impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, and rooftops. Unlike sanitary sewers, storm sewers do not carry wastewater from homes or businesses.
Instead, they are focused on managing stormwater to prevent flooding and reduce pollution in natural water bodies.
Components and Characteristics:
- Inlets and Drains: Storm sewer systems include inlets and drains located along streets and other paved areas. These structures collect stormwater runoff and channel it into the sewer system.
- Conduits and Outfalls: The collected stormwater is conveyed through a series of conduits and outfalls that discharge it into nearby rivers, lakes, or other water bodies. In some cases, stormwater is directed to detention ponds or infiltration systems for treatment.
- No Treatment: Unlike sanitary sewers, storm sewers typically do not include a treatment process. The stormwater is discharged directly into the environment, making it crucial to minimize the introduction of pollutants.
Typical Applications:
- Urban areas with extensive impervious surfaces that generate significant stormwater runoff.
- Infrastructure projects such as highways and airports, where efficient drainage is critical to prevent flooding.
- Municipal stormwater systems designed to manage rainwater and protect water quality.
Regulations for storm sewer systems focus on preventing pollutants from entering the stormwater and ensuring that the systems are properly maintained to prevent blockages and flooding.
Differences Between Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer
Understanding the differences between sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems is essential for ensuring proper wastewater management. Here are the key distinctions:
- Design and Function: Sanitary sewers are designed to carry wastewater to treatment facilities, while storm sewers are designed to manage rainwater and runoff. The two systems serve entirely different purposes.
- Treatment: Wastewater in a sanitary sewer is treated before being released into the environment. In contrast, stormwater from a storm sewer is typically not treated, making it essential to prevent contaminants from entering the system.
- Regulations: Sanitary sewers are subject to stringent regulations to protect public health and the environment. Storm sewers are regulated to minimize pollution and ensure proper drainage.
Improper use or confusion between these systems can have serious consequences. For example, connecting a sanitary sewer line to a storm sewer can lead to untreated sewage being discharged into natural water bodies, causing pollution and public health risks.
Conversely, directing stormwater into a sanitary sewer can overwhelm treatment facilities, leading to overflows and environmental contamination.
Determining Which System is Needed
Choosing the right sewer system depends on several factors, including the type of property, the nature of the waste or runoff, and local regulations. Here are some considerations:
- Residential Properties: Most residential properties require connection to a sanitary sewer system to handle household wastewater. However, stormwater management may also be necessary to prevent flooding.
- Commercial Properties: Businesses that generate significant wastewater, such as restaurants and laundromats, need sanitary sewer connections. Storm sewer systems may also be required for managing runoff from parking lots and other impervious surfaces.
- Industrial Properties: Industrial facilities may need both sanitary and storm sewer systems, depending on the types of waste generated and the layout of the property.
It’s important to consult with qualified professionals when determining the appropriate sewer system to meet any needs. Proper planning and design can prevent costly mistakes and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Understanding the Right Systems and potential needs: ComplianceGo Can Help
Understanding the differences between sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems is critical for effective wastewater management and environmental protection.
At ComplianceGo, we offer tools and resources to help you conduct and manage your stormwater compliance inspections and documentation (SWPPPs) effectively. This includes construction sites, municipal inspections, and long term post construction controls. Whether you’re dealing with complex regulatory requirements or need help maintaining a system design, our user friendly, low cost software platform provides the functionality you need.
To learn more about how ComplianceGo can assist you with your stormwater inspections management, visit our features page or contact us for more information.
Understanding the difference between sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems is essential for protecting public health and the environment– Leverage ComplianceGo to properly manage your stormwater inspections and documentation when the need arises.