CSO ⇨ PERMEABLE SURFACE

What’s the Story?

Stinky! Stinky! Very gross - overflowing the sewer system!! When there is a big rainstorm, too much water can flood the sewage system, causing stormwater and wastewater to mix and overflow (CSO = combined sewage overflow). This means untreated, raw sewage can be part of flood waters, causing pollution and water contamination. In an urban area, water can flow out from an overflowing underground sewage pipe onto a permeable surface (like soil). In a rural area, this happens when a septic system is not maintained and operating properly and can overflow with untreated wastewater, contaminating the soil and water nearby.

Click on your water drop above to travel to the Permeable Surface next!!