After stormwater reaches a storm drain, it can encounter additional pollutants - illicit discharges - intentionally or accidentally introduced directly into the drain. Municipal storm sewer systems are not designed to handle these wastes. Illicit discharges can include sanitary wastewater systems illegally connected to the storm drain system; effluent from septic tanks; car wash, laundry, and other industrial wastewaters; auto and household toxics such as used motor oil and pesticides that are dumped illegally; and spills from roadways. These discharges contribute high levels of heavy metals, toxic substances, oil and grease, nutrients, viruses, and bacteria to our creeks and lakes.

Water pollution threatens the drinking water supply, but it also affects recreation. Illicit wastewater discharges and pet waste can introduce viruses, bacteria, and other disease - causing agents and create a health threat for swimmers.

These pollutants are picked up and transported to local water bodies such as Rapid Creek not only by rainwater, but also from water draining into the streets from hoses, sprinklers, fire hydrants, etc. Basically, anthing dumped or dropped on the ground can and often does contribute to stormwater pollution.

Studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicate that polluted stormwater is a leading cause of impairment to the nearly 40 percent of the surveyed water bodies in the country. Polluted runoff is often discharged untreated directly into local water bodies. When left uncontrolled, stormwater pollution can result in the destruction of fish, wildlife, and havitats; threats to public health due to contaminated food and drinking water supplies; and losses of recreational and aesthetic values.

Keeping drainages clean of trash and other debris maintains natural drainage capacity and minimizes litter, sediment and nutrient loading in stormwater runoff.

Q: Is water Treated Before Entering Rapid Creek?

No. During a storm event, stormwater runoff is carried by the storm drain system directly into Rapid Creek. Contaminated stormwater receives no treatment because of the sheer volume of runoff from the surrounding drainage basins would make treatment extremely costly and problimatic. The cost of treating Rapid City runoff would be so high that it would exceed available resources.

  Q: Is There a Difference Between a Storm Sewer and a Sanitary Sewer?

Yes. The sanitary sewer and the storm sewer are two completely separate drainage systems. The sanitary sewer system, or sanitary wastewater system, takes all household wastewater from toilets, showers and sinks, and routes it through a separate plumbing system to the Rapid City Water Reclamation Facility. The storm sewer system, on the other hand, was intended to route rainwater quickly off the streets during a heavy storm, but unfortunately it also takes all urban runoff-containing pollutants along with it. Chemicals, trash and debris from lawns, parking lots and streets, either intentionally or accidentally spilled, go directly into Rapid Creek during storm events.

Q: What are some indications of pollution?

Unusual color or cloudiness
Strong pungent or musty odor
Floating debris
Surface scum or foam
Oil sheen
Algae
Dead vegetation or inhibited growth
Dead animals
Stains on channel bottom or sides
Pipe corrosion

Q: What are the effects of Storm Water Pollution?

Health
Stormwater pollution can pose a serious health risk. People and animals can be exposed to pesticides, bacteria, and chemicals washed from our city streets into the storm drain system and eventually into Rapid Creek.

Environment
Countless animals, fish, aquatic plants and insects living in or adjacent to Rapid Creek may become sick or die from contact with polluted stormwater.

Neighborhoods
Clogged catch basins significantly decrease the quality of life in many neighborhoods throughout Rapid City . These "nests" of trash and debris can attract raccoons, rats and cockroaches, create foul odors, and clog the storm drain system affecting neighborhood aesthetics and property values, and may cause localized flooding.

What You Should Do If An Illegal/Illicit Discharge Is Found?

Report illegal/illicit dumping or discharges to the storm drain system. Click on Stormwater Pollution Hotline for the number to call to report any illegal or illicit dumping or discharge activities.