Illicit Discharges

Detention & Elimination of Illicit Discharges:

Illicit Discharge: When sewage or other wastewater that should be directed to a sanitary sewer system or onsite sewage treatment system (septic system) is released into a storm drain system. Illicit discharges can release large quantities of harmful bacterial and pollutants into our rivers and lakes. Failing septic fields, direct connections between household plumbing and storm drains and spilling, dumping, and plumbing are all sources of illicit discharges. Identification and elimination of illicit discharges is necessary to protect our water supply and prevent water-borne illnesses. 

Prevent Illicit Discharges:

  • Only Rain in the Drain: Never dump motor oil, chemicals, pet waste or dirty wash water down the storm drain or into ditches. All of these materials pollute our lakes and streams. 
  • Scoop It: Keep pet waste cleaned up from lawns, sidewalks and streets and away from drainage ditches and storm drains. When dog waste is left behind, it washes into storm drains and ditches. From there, it heads straight to your local lakes and streams. 
  • Sweep It: Fertilizer left on sidewalks and driveways will easily wash into storm drains and ditches. So, save money and our lakes and streams by sweeping fertilizer back onto the lawn. 
  • Water Wisely: Generally, your lawn needs about one inch of water a week. Extra water overwhelms sewage treatment plants and water retention basins, especially during heavy rains, and contributes to combined sewage overflows. Excessive water usage can also cause the premature failure of septic systems. 
  • Use Less for Pests: Use herbicides and pesticide sparingly. Many of these materials are harmful to kids, pets and the environment. Apply in problem areas only and away from paved surfaces and drainage paths. 
  • Maintain It: Properly operate and maintain your onsite septic system. Discharges from malfunctioning systems can impair water quality (including the water quality at public bathing beaches). Septic system maintenance information is available from the Macomb County Health Department. 
  • Identify It: Be aware of household materials that can harm children, pets and the environment. If you see the words "danger," "caution," "warning," or "toxic," you're probably handling a household hazardous waste. Contact your local community or the Macomb County Health Department for locations and dates for disposal of these materials. 


Public Reporting of Illicit Discharges:

Report a Polluter through Macomb County Public Works' Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (IDEP): 

During Business Hours:
Staff from the Macomb County Health Department - Environmental Health Services Division, Office of Public Works and Department of Roads are available to receive complaints Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During these times, please call:

  • Macomb County Health Department - 586-469-5236
  • Macomb County Office of Public Works - 586-469-5325
  • Macomb County Department of Roads - 586-463-8671

24-Hour Hotline: 1-877-679-4337
The Macomb County Public Works Office has established a 24-hour hotline that will be available to accept water pollution complaints after normal business hours. If your call is of an urgent nature, on-call staff will be notified to take action. All other calls will be responded to on the next business day.

If a discharge is detected in a Macomb County drain, please contact the Macomb County Public Works Office.

Macomb County Illicit Discharge Elimination Program Webpage