Are sewers and storm drains the same things?

Not in the City of Saint Peter. In the City of Saint Peter sewers and storm drains are two completely different drainage systems. Sewers carry wastewater from such things as washing machines, sinks, toilets, and showers to a treatment plant to be cleaned prior to being discharged into the Minnesota River. The storm drain system collects rainwater, and anything else dumped into it, and carries it to either a detention basin or directly to the Minnesota River.

Show All Answers

1. Why all the fuss about stormwater now?
2. What is stormwater runoff?
3. What is polluted runoff?
4. What is nonpoint source pollution?
5. What causes polluted stormwater runoff?
6. Why do we need to manage stormwater and polluted runoff?
7. How is stormwater and runoff "managed"?
8. If it only affects streams and creeks, why should I care?
9. What is a stormwater fee and why do I have one?
10. How does this benefit the average taxpayer?
11. What can I do to make a difference at home and reduce the amount of stormwater pollution?
12. How else can I help reduce stormwater pollution in my area?
13. What is a catch basin or storm drain?
14. Are sewers and storm drains the same things?
15. Do catch basins and storm drains get cleaned out?
16. Why doesn't the City of Saint Peter clean out all of the storm drains before a storm?
17. Why doesn't the City of Saint Peter install filters or screens in front of the catch basins?
18. Why isn't a net/fence/barrier installed at the end of the storm drain channel to catch all of the trash?
19. What kinds of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?
20. What should I do if I see a neighbor throwing trash, used oil or paint into a storm drain?
21. How can I properly dispose of left-over paints, thinners, chemicals, etc.?
22. Is it okay to wash my car on the driveway if I use a biodegradable soap?
23. Yard clippings and leaves are natural, so they don't cause any problems, right?
24. Is there a fine/penalty for illegal dumping?
25. How does pet waste left on the grass affect stormwater?