Across approximately 25% of Pittsburgh, sewage and stormwater are routed into separate underground sewer pipes. When it rains, stormwater enters inlets along our roadways and other surfaces, and the storm sewer pipes send the stormwater directly to our streams and rivers.

In these areas, regulations are in place to stop what are known as illicit discharges: the discharge of substances that are not stormwater. Only rain (and snow) should go down the drain! Follow these rules to prevent illicit discharges to our sewers:

• Never dump vehicle fluids, household chemicals, paint animal waste, car wash soap, litter, grass, leaves, or fats, oils, and grease into storm drains.
• In addition to dumping, do not connect sanitary, restaurant waste, or industrial wastewater lines to the storm sewer system.
• Only the following uncontaminated water sources are permitted to enter a storm sewer: dechlorinated fire hydrant and water line flushing, lawn watering, uncontaminated groundwater, residential car rinsing (no cleaners), and HVAC condensate.

Report illicit discharges via our Report an Issue Form.