Winston-Salem Illicit Storm Drain Reporting

Utilities and Infrastructure North Carolina 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

Winston-Salem, North Carolina maintains rules and procedures to prevent and respond to illicit discharges to the municipal storm drain system. This guide explains how to identify, report, and follow up on unauthorized discharges, who enforces city stormwater rules, and what to expect after you report a spill or illegal dumping into drains or creeks. Use the official contacts in the Help and Support / Resources section to submit complaints, get inspection updates, or request remediation.

Report visible discharges immediately to reduce environmental harm.

What is an illicit storm drain discharge

An illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, such as sanitary waste, motor oil, paint, detergents, or other pollutants that can harm water quality and violate local ordinances or permits.

How to recognize and document a discharge

  • Note the location (nearest address, street, or visible drain inlet).
  • Record the time and date you first observed the discharge.
  • Take photos or video showing flow, color, sheen, or materials.
  • Observe any nearby activities (construction, vehicle repair, dumping) that might be the source.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Winston-Salem enforces stormwater protections through its Stormwater Division and related municipal code provisions. Specific fine amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited city pages; see the Help and Support / Resources links for official enforcement texts and current penalty schedules. Enforcement may include notices of violation, orders to cease and remediate discharges, administrative fines, civil actions, and referral to municipal court where applicable. The city conducts site inspections after complaints and documents violations for enforcement action.

Enforcement actions can include orders to clean, repair, or remediate contaminated areas.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first offence and repeat offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, remediation requirements, and court referral.
  • Enforcer: Stormwater Division and code enforcement staff; see resources for contact details.
  • Appeals/review: procedure and time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The city provides complaint/reporting channels for illicit discharges; a specific dedicated form for citizen reports is not officially published on the primary Stormwater Division pages cited in resources, though online complaint/report portals or contact forms may be available through the city’s service pages.

If you see a hazardous spill, call emergency services first.

Action steps after you report

  • Call emergency services for immediate hazards or life-safety threats.
  • Submit a report to the Stormwater Division via the city contact options in Resources.
  • Provide photos, location, time, and any witness information to the inspector.
  • Follow any remediation or clean-up orders issued by the city.

Common violations

  • Illicit dumping of liquids, paint, oil, or chemicals into gutters or inlets.
  • Sanitary sewer cross-connections or discharges to storm sewers.
  • Construction site runoff without required controls.

FAQ

Who do I contact to report an illicit discharge?
Contact the City of Winston-Salem Stormwater Division using the official service or environmental contact channels listed in Help and Support / Resources; for immediate hazards, call 911.
Will my report be anonymous?
The city’s intake procedures vary; you can ask about anonymity when you submit the complaint through the published contact options.
How quickly will the city respond?
Response times depend on severity and workload; emergency spills receive priority and routine complaints are scheduled for inspection according to staff availability.

How-To

  1. Document the discharge with photos and exact location details.
  2. Report via the Stormwater Division contact options in Help and Support / Resources or call 911 for emergencies.
  3. Provide evidence and a description to the inspector and keep a copy for your records.
  4. Follow up if you do not receive a response within the expected timeframe by contacting the listed office.

Key Takeaways

  • Report visible discharges promptly with photos and exact location details.
  • Use the official Stormwater Division contacts for complaints; call 911 for immediate danger.

Help and Support / Resources

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