storm sewage
Quick Summary
Storm sewage, also known as storm water, is surface runoff collected from precipitation. It is one of three types of wastewater, alongside domestic and industrial sewage. Storm sewers are separate pipe networks designed to carry this runoff, typically diverting it to streams or rivers, sometimes with detention basins to manage flow.12
Unlike combined systems that mix storm water with domestic sewage, separate storm sewer systems are preferred for new construction. Combined systems, common in older cities, can overwhelm wastewater treatment plants during heavy rain, leading to untreated sewage being discharged directly into waterways. Storm sewers are usually constructed with reinforced concrete pipes.32
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.