Prevent pollutants

Unlike sanitary sewers, the water that flows into storm drains is untreated.

When it rains, water can pick up harmful substances like motor oil, pool chemicals, paint and yard waste from households. Then it travels into storm drains, where it flows into nearby rivers and streams, polluting them and harming fish, wildlife, and even people.

Any release of a liquid or solid material into a storm drain system is called illicit discharge.

Spot the signs of illicit discharge

You might notice signs of polluted water flowing from a pipe or culvert into a stream.

What to watch for

Oily sheen on the surface
Cloudy water from sediment
Unusual colors
Trash or debris floating in the water
Foam that looks unnatural
Strong or foul odors

What to do when you see illicit discharge

If you see signs of illicit discharge, contact your local public works department or stormwater program. If your community isn’t listed, check your municipality’s website.

Missouri

Independence

Submit a service request online

Kansas City

Call 816-513-1313

Lee’s Summit

Call 816-969-1800 or submit a report online

Liberty

Contact the Public Works department

North Kansas City

Submit a report online

Raytown

Contact public works

Kansas

Kansas City, Kan. and Wyandotte County

Call 311 or submit a report online

Lenexa

Call 913-744-7680
Submit a report online

Overland Park

Submit a service request

Roeland Park

Submit a report online

Shawnee

Call 913-742-6008 or submit a service request

Don't dump into storm drains

If you have old or unused cans of paint or other hazardous products, take them to your local Household Hazardous Waste facility for proper disposal. Never dispose of them in storm drains!

Visit RecycleSpot to find a safe location to dispose of your household hazardous waste in the Kansas City region.