Common sources of stormwater pollution that come from apartment, condominium, and other multi-family residential communities include:
• Blocked sewers that result in sewage overflows
• Illegally drained swimming pools
• Poor landscaping practices
• Car wash runoff
• Leaking waste dumpsters
• Pet waste left on the ground
• Power washing and cleaning in parking lots
• Improper storage, handling or disposal of materials associated with painting and roof repair.
Managers of multi-family residential communities can prevent these common sources of stormwater pollution by improving management of these activities and educating their residents about best practices.
Private Sewer Systems
Sewer systems with an average daily flow of less than 200,000 gallons (this includes all multi-family communities) are automatically permitted by the state to operate, but there are a number of permit requirements that must be followed.