Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The IDDE program consists of outfall inspections, field screening of dry-weather flows, and identifying and eliminating the source of illicit discharges.  SWM inspects outfalls to look for signs of illegal discharges to the storm drain system.  If dry-weather flow is observed, field screening is conducted to look for significant pollutants. Inspectors use visual observation (sometimes using CCTV video equipment) to track the flow up the storm drain line to attempt to identify the source.​​​​


Reporting Illicit Discharges

If you are interested in additional information, have questions, or see illegal dumping, contact the City of Phoenix's Stormwater Management staff.  

Call the Stormwater Hotline at 602-256-3190 or use the link below to send us an email.

Only stormwater belongs in the storm drain.  However, there is a short list of non-stormwater discharges that are also allowable, provided they are not a source of significant pollutants:

  1. Water line flushing

  2. Landscape irrigation

  3. Diverted stream flows

  4. Rising ground waters

  5. Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration

  6. Uncontaminated pumped groundwater

  7. Discharges from potable water sources

  8. Foundation drains

  9. Air conditioning condensation

  10. Irrigation water

  11. Springs

  12. Water from crawl space pumps

  13. Footing drains

  14. Lawn watering

  15. Individual residential car washing

  16. Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands

  17. Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges

  18. Street wash water

  19. Discharges or flows from emergency firefighting activities

  20. Discharges authorized by another NPDES or AZPDES permit.​

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Outfall sampling scene 

















Inspector collecting a water sample.​

 stormwater drain





Stormwater Drain Investigation

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