When it comes to pollution, not all sewers are created equal.

Sanitary sewer systems collect and carry wastewater, from drains in homes and businesses, such as bathrooms, kitchens, washers and showers, to a treatment plant to remove solids and contaminants before it is discharged back into the river.

On the other hand, storm sewer systems, also called storm drainage systems, include inlets, pipes, and ditches that collect and carry runoff - from rainfall and snow melt - with no prior treatment to our streams, rivers and lakes. Storm water pollution may occur as runoff flows across streets, lawns, construction and industrial sites picking up fertilizers, soil, pet waste, pesticides, leaves, oil, litter, and many other pollutants along its way before entering the storm drains.

Help keep the storm water that leaves your home or workplace clean. Remember, only rain down the drain - storm drains that is.