Why are finding, fixing, and preventing illicit discharges & illegal connections important?

Illicit discharges enter our streams, creek, rivers and Lake Wylie contributing to high levels of pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, toxins, solvents, nutrients, and bacteria) that have been shown to significantly degrade water quality and threaten aquatic wildlife and human health. 

How do I spot an Illicit Discharge or Illegal Connection? 

•  Look for makeshift pipes or hoses that lead to a storm drain or body of water.
• Watch for stains, unusual odors and colors, structural damage to streets or gutters, and abnormal vegetative growth in nearby lakes and streams.
•  During dry weather, stormwater flows should be non-present or minimal. Look for suspicious liquids flowing from pipe outfalls during these times. With the exception of irrigation water, it’s often an illicit discharge coming from an illegal connection.
• Keeps an eye out for anyone dumping anything into the storm sewer system or drainage ditches. Even yard waste is a pollutant. 

Lawn irrigation discharges
Agricultural irrigation
Air conditioning condensation
NPDES permitted discharges
Water line flushing by Government/Fire Fighting
Building cosmetic cleaning (no hazardous chemicals)
Car washings
 (Do not dump wash water into the storm drainage system)