When looking at stormwater management systems and SWPPP setups, several specific physical components will often be involved. Sewer components are a good example here, and there are multiple kinds of sewers that may be present on a site. Two of the most notable, and which are often compared with one another, are sanitary sewers and storm sewers.

At Silver Leaf SWPPP, we're here to assist clients around Utah and Idaho with an extensive range of stormwater management and SWPPP services, including SWPPP inspections, BMP services like erosion control and street sweeping, and much more. Here's a primer comparing these two types of sewers in basic terms, plus going over some of the key differences to keep in mind when interacting with these components during any kind of stormwater management.

Defining a Sanitary Sewer System

When you hear the term "sanitary sewer" system, what's being referred to is a setup that's meant to carry wastewater from various homes, businesses and facilities to a treatment facility. This means that all water from areas like toilets, sinks, showers and more will eventually be directed into this sewer system, which is meant to keep it separate from other kinds of water systems (like those used for stormwater management).

In most cases, these sewers are built underground. They use gravity to help move the wastewater along - again, with no mixing between stormwater - until the sewage reaches a treatment facility.

Defining a Storm Sewer System

On the other hand, a storm sewer is specifically designed for stormwater management purposes. This kind of water includes runoff from things like rain or snowmelt. The purpose of a storm sewer is to collect all of this runoff in one central place and then direct it away from areas where it could cause flooding or other issues.

Storm sewers, like sanitary sewers, are generally built underground. They work by using inlets and pipes to direct water away from the area where it's collected. These systems are incredibly important for preventing serious damage from storms or other weather events.

Key Differences

While both types of sewer systems serve important purposes when it comes to managing water on a site, there are several key differences between them:

  • Purpose: As mentioned above, sanitary sewers are meant to transport wastewater for treatment, while storm sewers are used to manage stormwater runoff.
  • Design: Because they serve different purposes, these two types of sewers have very different designs. Sanitary sewers are usually built with larger pipes to accommodate the volume of wastewater, while storm sewers may have smaller pipes since they're only dealing with runoff.
  • Maintenance: Sanitary sewer systems require regular maintenance and inspection due to the potential health hazards associated with untreated wastewater. Storm sewer systems also need to be maintained, but they typically involve less frequent inspections.
  • Lack of treatment: In stormwater management, it's important to remember that storm sewers do not treat or filter the water they collect. Their purpose is simply to move the runoff away from buildings and structures.

Important Notes for SWPPPs

As you may have already guessed by reading to this point, stormwater management and SWPPP setups primarily deal with storm sewer systems. This is because, by design, the focus of these systems is to manage and control runoff from storms and precipitation.

However, it's important to note that any SWPPP should also take into account any sanitary sewers that may be present on a site. These systems are crucial for protecting public health and the environment, so it's essential to ensure they are properly identified and maintained during any construction or development project. Additionally, proper coordination between stormwater management and sanitary sewer systems can help prevent cross-connections that could lead to serious issues down the road.

Both Are Regulated

Finally, it's important to remember that both of these sewer systems are highly regulated by local and federal authorities. This means that any changes or modifications to either system must be carefully planned and implemented in accordance with all applicable regulations. Failure to do so could result in costly fines and penalties, not to mention potential harm to public health and the environment.

As you can see, while both sanitary and storm sewers serve important functions in managing water on a site, they are distinct in their purposes and designs. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective stormwater management and SWPPP compliance, and at Silver Leaf SWPPP, we are committed to helping our clients navigate these complexities with ease. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule an inspection for your site, whether you're in Utah or Idaho.

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