Identifying the Difference between Storm drains, Sanitary and water retention and detentions systems on a property while pressure washing or cleaning Exteriors with water
When pressure washing or cleaning exteriors with water, it's important to understand the difference between storm drains, sanitary systems, and water retention and detention systems on a property to ensure that you are not causing any environmental or safety issues. Here's how you can identify and differentiate these systems:
To summarize, when pressure washing or cleaning exteriors with water, you should be mindful of the presence of storm drains, sanitary systems, and water retention/detention systems on the property. Avoid introducing pollutants or debris into storm drains or water retention/detention systems, and be cautious not to damage sanitary sewer infrastructure. If you're unsure about the location of these systems on a property, it's a good idea to consult with property owners or local authorities for guidance.
When pressure washing or cleaning exteriors with water, it's important to understand the difference between storm drains, sanitary systems, and water retention and detention systems on a property to ensure that you are not causing any environmental or safety issues. Here's how you can identify and differentiate these systems:
- Storm Drains:
- Purpose: Storm drains are designed to collect rainwater and runoff from storms and direct it away from the property to prevent flooding.
- Location: Storm drains are typically found along streets, curbs, or parking lots. They may also be located on private properties to manage rainwater runoff.
- Appearance: Storm drains are usually covered with grates or metal covers with openings to allow water to flow in. They often have a simple design and may be labeled as "storm drain" or "stormwater."
- Cleaning: When pressure washing near storm drains, avoid pushing debris, chemicals, or pollutants into them, as these can flow directly into natural water bodies, potentially harming the environment.
- Sanitary Systems: “ALWAYS Seek Permission if this is for Exterior Cleaning from Commissionor.
- Purpose: Sanitary sewer systems carry wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and other indoor plumbing fixtures to treatment facilities for proper treatment and disposal.
- Location: Sanitary sewer pipes are typically underground and are not visible on the property's surface.
- Connection Points: You may find clean outs or access points with capped pipes in yards or near buildings, which are part of the sanitary sewer system. These are not meant for pressure washing or cleaning.
- Avoidance: Be cautious not to damage or disturb sanitary sewer infrastructure while pressure washing or digging on the property.
- Water Retention and Detention Systems: Are Private Systems located on private property and are not Public systems. This means often they are not under the same guidelines and Public storm systems in under. They typically are not connected to water of the US.
- Purpose: Water retention and detention systems are designed to manage and control stormwater on the property. They help reduce the impact of stormwater runoff and prevent erosion.
- Types: These systems can include retention ponds, swales, underground storage tanks, and other features that temporarily hold and slowly release stormwater.
- Appearance: Retention ponds, for example, are large depressions or basins that may have vegetation or rock features. Underground storage tanks are typically hidden from view.
- Protection: Do not pressure wash or introduce pollutants into retention or detention systems, as they are designed to maintain water quality and prevent flooding.
To summarize, when pressure washing or cleaning exteriors with water, you should be mindful of the presence of storm drains, sanitary systems, and water retention/detention systems on the property. Avoid introducing pollutants or debris into storm drains or water retention/detention systems, and be cautious not to damage sanitary sewer infrastructure. If you're unsure about the location of these systems on a property, it's a good idea to consult with property owners or local authorities for guidance.