Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?

No. They are two separate drainage systems. Wastewater from homes, industry, etc., travels through the sewer system where it is treated at sewage treatment plants before reuse or discharge into the Napa River. Runoff from streets, parking lots, yards., etc., enters the storm drain system, receives no treatment and flows directly to creeks and other waterways.

Show All Answers

1. Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?
2. What kind of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?
3. What is an illicit discharge?
4. What are source control and treatment control measures?
5. What are the cities, town and Napa County doing about illegal dumping and illicit discharges into storm drains?
6. Is it illegal to wash my car in my driveway?
7. Yard clippings and leaves are natural, so they don't cause problems if swept into storm drains, right?