FAQs - Stormwater

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is stormwater pollution? 

Runoff from rainstorms is called stormwater. Stormwater becomes polluted by flowing over dirty surfaces, such as parking lots. Stormwater pollution also takes place when someone dumps materials, like oil or paint, directly into the storm drain. Polluted stormwater flows without treatment directly to creeks and rivers, where it can be harmful to aquatic life. 

What are storm drain inlets? 

Storm drain inlets are curbside receptacles that catch surface water runoff from rainfall and deliver it to the storm drain system, where it's eventually delivered to local creeks and rivers. 

Are sanitary sewers and storm drains the same thing? 

No. Storm drains and sanitary sewers have two distinct functions. Storm drains are intended to collect and transport runoff from rainfall. Storm drain systems do not remove pollutants from water before it is discharged into streams and rivers. These are typically the drains found in streets and in parking lots. Sanitary sewers collect wastewater from indoor plumbing such as toilets, sinks, washing machines and floor drains and take it to a sewage treatment plant. The treatment plant removes many pollutants from wastewater before it is discharged to the river. 

Do drain inlets get cleaned out? 

Yes. crews from Fort Wayne's Stormwater Utility maintain drain inlets, manholes and thousands of miles of storm drain pipelines citywide. 

Why doesn't the City clean out all of the storm drain inlets right before a storm? 

Seeing as Fort Wayne maintains thousands of drain inlets, there are too many to clean in a short period of time. Storm drain inlets are maintained on a year-round schedule, but we rely on citizens to help us by cleaning leaves and debris off storm drain inlets. 

Why doesn't the City install filters or screens in front of drain inlets? 

It sounds like a good idea, but during a rainstorm, trash is quickly swept into drain inlets. Any screen or filtration device placed in front of the drain inlet would cause trash to accumulate and clog the grate, preventing proper drainage and potentially creating a flood hazard. With approximately 61,000 drain inlets in Fort Wayne maintenance crews would be unable to keep up with cleaning these devices potentially creating flooding hazardous. However there new technologies being developed in the form of filtration or screening devices to be installed and inserted inside drain inlets. The Stormwater Engineering group is always evaluating these new technologies for possible future use.

What types of pollutants are found in stormwater? 

Heavy metals, paint thinner and paint products, motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers, human and animal feces, antifreeze, and dead animals - these are all but a few examples of the pollutants typically found in stormwater. 

How much water passes through the system? 

On a typical dry summer day, around one million gallons of water flow through the system. This flow comes from over landscape irrigation runoff (primarily lawns) fire hydrant pressure releases, and car washes throughout the region, just to name a few.

In a heavy rainstorm, this flow can increase to millions and millions of gallons a day. 

Illegal Dumping

What is the City of Fort Wayne doing about illegal dumping? 

The Stormwater Ordinance makes it illegal to knowingly dump or discharge hazardous materials into the storm drain system and the City may impose fines on violators when they are caught.  You can help by reporting illegal dumping to the City by calling 311. 

I see people dumping their used oil into storm drains all the time. What can I do? 

Dumping used oil, or anything other than clean water into the storm drain system is illegal. One gallon of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water. To report the problem, call 311 -- the City's "One Call to City Hall" service center.

What happens if I see a neighbor, or know someone who's throwing trash into a storm drain? 

Storm drains are designed for catching rain water only. Dumping trash or other pollutants down storm drain inlets is illegal and is a violation of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 as well as the County of Sacramento's Stormwater Ordinance. If a neighbor is disposing of trash in the storm drain, they may not understand that drain inlets directly connect to our creeks and rivers. If you have an amicable relationship with your neighbor, it may be just a matter of informing and making them aware of its environmental impact. If it is someone who you feel is knowingly violating and repeatedly dumping into storm drains, please call the City of Fort Wayne at 311. 

I have some paint/thinners/chemicals at home that need to be disposed of. Where can I take these? 

If you are a resident of Allen County, you may dispose of household hazardous wastes at the County's annual Tox Away Day in September.  The Allen County Solid Waste Management District also maintains an extensive list of sources for disposing of or recycling many household wastes.  These resources can be found at www.acwastewatcher.org.  

What is the fine/penalty for illegal dumping? 

Fines and penalties are based on type and amount of illegally discharged material.

   How can I be environmentally responsible when washing my car? 

The best place to wash your car is a commercial car wash.  If you must was your car at home do so over a lawn or gravel area. Use biodegradable soaps to wash your vehicle, using as little water as possible. Shut off water while washing your car, or use a trigger nozzle to stop the flow. Remember not to leave your car on the lawn. 

Yard clippings leaves are natural, so they don't cause any problems, right? 

Grass, leaves and yard clippings that are repeatedly swept into catch basins can clog the drain, causing flooding and the potential for becoming a breeding ground for rodents and insects. Additionally, when grass and leaves decompose they encourage excessive growth of algae which can deprive fish of adequate oxygen.