Can pressure washing water go down the storm drain?

Salt Lake County says storm drains flow to streams and lakes with no treatment, and dumping into the gutter is the same as dumping into a creek. Ask your city about its stormwater rules.

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Where the wash water goes

Salt Lake County has two sewer systems. The sanitary sewer takes household wastewater to a treatment plant. The storm sewer drains rain and snowmelt off streets, parking lots and driveways straight into the nearest stream, river, pond, lake or canal without treatment, so dumping something into the gutter is no different than dumping it into the nearest creek. (source: Salt Lake County Health Department)

Runoff picks up fertilizer, pet waste, engine oil and soil, and the county counts even excess sediment as a pollutant. (source: Salt Lake County Watershed)

In this guide: Does pressure washing need a license in Utah? · Where the wash water goes · Pressure washing older painted homes · FAQ · Sources

Sources

Salt Lake County Health Department: Stormwater (checked October 30, 2026)
Salt Lake County Watershed: The Storm Drain Connection (checked October 30, 2026)

Last updated: October 30, 2026