Which statement is true regarding stormwater and clearwater discharge into a sanitary building drain that connects to a POTW?

Which statement is true regarding stormwater and clearwater discharge into a sanitary building drain that connects to a POTW?

• A. Stormwater and clearwater may discharge into a POTW-connected sanitary building drain.
• B. Stormwater and clearwater may discharge into a POTW-connected sanitary building drain only with department approval.
• C. Stormwater and clearwater do not have any restrictions regarding discharge into a POTW-connected sanitary building drain.
• D. Stormwater and clearwater may not discharge into a POTW-connected sanitary building drain.

Answer: (D)

Stormwater and clearwater belong in a separate drainage path from sanitary waste. The sanitary building drain is designed to carry only sanitary wastewater from fixtures and devices, and introducing non‑sanitary water creates additional flow and potential pollutants that the public treatment works isn’t equipped to handle. This can overload the sewer system, increase the risk of overflows or backups, and run afoul of cross‑connection and sewer‑use rules. Therefore, these waters should not be discharged into a POTW‑connected sanitary building drain.

Stormwater and clearwater belong in a separate drainage path from sanitary waste. The sanitary building drain is designed to carry only sanitary wastewater from fixtures and devices, and introducing non‑sanitary water creates additional flow and potential pollutants that the public treatment works isn’t equipped to handle. This can overload the sewer system, increase the risk of overflows or backups, and run afoul of cross‑connection and sewer‑use rules. Therefore, these waters should not be discharged into a POTW‑connected sanitary building drain.