Report Illicit Storm Drain Discharge - Philadelphia

Utilities and Infrastructure Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, illicit discharges to storm drains threaten water quality and public health. If you see wastewater, paint, oil, or other unusual flows entering a storm inlet, catch basin, or open channel, report the incident promptly to city authorities so they can investigate and stop pollution. Use the online reporting options or 311 to submit photos, location, and timing for faster response. Visit the city reporting page for specific submission tools and guidance Report a water or storm drain problem[1].

Take photos from a safe location and note the nearest address or intersection before you call.

What is an illicit storm drain discharge?

An illicit discharge is any non-stormwater flow—such as sewage, paint, solvents, wash water, or industrial waste—entering the storm drain system. These flows bypass treatment and can cause contamination of creeks, rivers, and drinking-water infrastructure. The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) oversees stormwater controls and coordinates investigations.

How to report

  • Call Philadelphia 311 or use the 311 app and select the water/stormwater problem category.
  • Use the city online reporting page to submit photos, location, and a description.[1]
  • Provide exact location (address or nearest intersection), observed pollutants, time, and whether the flow is continuous or intermittent.
If the discharge is actively flowing, report immediately by phone to ensure rapid response.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for illicit storm drain discharges in Philadelphia is handled by the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) in coordination with Streets and other city agencies. Specific fines and escalation procedures are managed under city stormwater ordinances and PWD regulations. The publicly available PWD stormwater guidance and reporting page describes enforcement roles but does not list numeric fine amounts on that page Philadelphia Water Department - Stormwater Management[2].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the Philadelphia Code or contact PWD for amounts.[2]
  • Escalation: first notices, orders to cease, and potential repeat-offence penalties are referred to in departmental procedures but specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work or abatement orders, required cleanup, restoration, and referral to court or magistrate for enforcement; exact remedies depend on case facts and agency discretion.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Philadelphia Water Department investigates reports; file complaints via 311 or the PWD reporting page to trigger inspection.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are governed by the Philadelphia Code and departmental rules; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with PWD or the Code office.[2]
Keep copies of your report number, photos, and correspondence to support appeals or follow-up requests.

Applications & Forms

To report an illicit discharge there is no separate permit application; use Philadelphia 311 or the PWD online reporting form to submit complaints and supporting evidence. If a property owner requires a stormwater permit for construction or connection, PWD provides permit applications on its site; refer to the PWD stormwater pages for specific forms and fee schedules.[2]

Action steps for residents

  • Document: take photos and note time, location, and description of the discharge.
  • Report: submit via 311 or the PWD reporting page immediately.[1]
  • Follow up: keep the report number and request status updates from PWD or 311 if the issue continues.
  • Escalate: if public health risk or lack of city response, ask to speak to a supervisor or request referral to enforcement staff.

FAQ

How do I report an illicit discharge in Philadelphia?
Call Philadelphia 311 or use the city online reporting page to submit location, photos, and a description. Report a water or storm drain problem[1]
Who enforces stormwater and illicit discharge rules?
The Philadelphia Water Department investigates and coordinates enforcement with Streets and other city agencies; refer to PWD stormwater guidance for roles and procedures.[2]
What penalties can property owners face?
Monetary fines and orders may apply, but specific amounts and escalation ranges are not specified on the cited PWD stormwater page; contact PWD or consult the Philadelphia Code for exact figures.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify and document the discharge: photograph the flow, note nearest address or intersection, and describe color, smell, and duration.
  2. Submit a report: call 311 or use the PWD online reporting page and attach photos and location information.[1]
  3. Save the report number and follow up with 311 or PWD if the discharge continues or worsens.
  4. If you are a property owner required to remediate, contact PWD for instructions, permits, or required corrective actions; obtain any necessary permits before remedial work.

Key Takeaways

  • Report illicit discharges quickly using 311 or the PWD reporting page with photos and precise location.
  • PWD enforces stormwater rules; contact them for enforcement status and remediation guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Philadelphia — Report a water or storm drain problem
  2. [2] Philadelphia Water Department — Stormwater Management

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