ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION & ELIMINATION

Illicit discharge is the disposal of any substance other than stormwater into the stormwater system. An illicit connection is any connection of wastewater into the stormwater system. An example of this might be a connection from a bathroom or a washing machine. The accidental spill or leak of an unsafe substance is also an illicit discharge.

How Does Illicit Discharge Pollute our Watershed?

 
The stormwater system collects all the rainwater that runs over impervious surfaces, like pavement and rooftops. This stormwater runs along the curb and gutter and then drains into a basin or an inlet. The stormwater and any pollutants it has picked up go to the nearest body of water, which eventually becomes our drinking water. Anything that enters the stormwater system other than rainfall is considered an illicit discharge, which is a violation of the Chatham County Stormwater Program. Water pollution can damage fish and wildlife. It can also make activities such as swimming and fishing unsafe. Keeping pollution out of stormwater protects public health and the environment. 

JORDAN LAKE

HAW RIVER