Outfalls are located along a creek or stream.  They are connected to a specific set of storm water pipes and their associated catch basins, storm drains or storm inlets within a given watershed.

The city’s 1,158 outfalls are inspected at least once every 5 years as part of the City’s NPDES Permit.

Inspections are conducted in dry weather for flow, structural sufficiency and blockage.  If there is a flow coming from the outfall during dry weather, the flow is investigated and traced to the source as an Illicit Discharge, which must be resolved by the property owner(s) once discovered.  Structural deficiencies discovered are prioritized for repair and blockages are scheduled for removal.

If you see material flowing from an outfall during dry weather, or know of a blocked outfall, place a request for service electronically or call us at 563.326.7923.