Where should the water go?Almost everywhere in Broward County, water in gutters and storm drains flows directly to local surface waters with no wastewater treatment. Washwater used in outdoor cleaning projects often carries dirt and other harmful pollutants that clog storm drains, damage sensitive habitats in local waterways and finally end up polluting canals, river, and coastal waters. Soaps, degreasers, automotive fluids, litter, and a host of other materials washed off of buildings, sidewalks, plazas, parking areas, vehicles, and equipment all harm wildlife and pollute Broward County waters. Allowing hazardous materials into a storm drain is illegal. Use these guidelines when cleaning outdoors or disposing of washwater! 
Onto landscaping or unpaved surface?YES! Dispose of small amounts of washwater from cleaning building exteriors, sidewalks, or plazas as long as it does not contain soap or other cleaning materials onto landscaping or unpaved surface if you have the owner’s permission and the discharge will not cause flooding or nuisance problems or flow to a canal. NO! Be sure large amounts of these types of washwater are not discharged onto landscaping or soil where water may run to a street or storm drain. Wastewater from exterior cleaning may be pumped to a sewer line with specific permission from the local wastewater treatment plant. 
Down a sink or toilet — through the sewer to a wastewater treatment plant?YES! Water from many outdoor cleaning activities may be acceptable to the local wastewater treatment plant. See the list on the back of this flyer for phone numbers of treatment plants in your area. NO! Hazardous wastes should never be poured down the sewer and must be disposed of properly. When in doubt, call the local wastewater treatment agency! They will be able to tell you what kinds of wastes they cannot accept. To the street or storm drain?YES! Water (with no soap) used to remove dust from clean vehicles may be discharged to a street or storm drain. Washwater from sidewalk, plaza, and building surface cleaning may go into a street or storm drain if ALL of these conditions are met: 
NO! Sending water that contains soap or any other type of pollution to a storm drain or water body violates state and local regulations. Because wastewater from cleaning parking areas or roadways normally contains metallic brake pad dust, oil, and other automotive fluids, it should never be discharged to a street, gutter, or storm drain. Broward County Pollution Prevention AgenciesStormwater
Wastewater Treatment
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