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- Reporting Illicit Discharges
Stormwater is the water from rain, melting snow or ice, which flows over the ground or pavement without soaking into the ground. The storm sewer system includes the roadside ditches, gutters, catch basins, and underground pipes that collect stormwater and carry it away from our streets, parking lots, and yards. Stormwater is not filtered and treated like sanitary sewage before it is released to natural waterways.
Chesterfield County's stormwater ordinance prohibits discharging anything that is not composed entirely of stormwater into the storm sewer system. Connecting any structure or device that carries any liquid other than stormwater to the storm sewer is also prohibited. Examples of illicit connections include hoses and pipes from: sanitary sewers, washing machines, showers and sinks.
| Illicit Discharges | Allowed Discharges |
|---|---|
| yard waste, grass clippings, leaves | uncontaminated groundwater |
| pet waste | watering lawns and landscapes |
| automotive fluids | water line flushing |
| paints, solvents, household chemicals | air conditioning condensation |
| herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers | residential car washing |
| sewage | dechlorinated pool water |
To report spills or illicit discharges call the 24-hour hotline at 804-717-6161. Please report the location and leave as much information as possible so we can investigate your concern. Please leave your contact information so we can reach you if more information is needed. The information you provide will be confidential.