Washington, DC Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Core duty
- connect lot drainage to public sewer
- Water main
- must also connect where main present
- Notice deadline
- 30 days to connect after notice
- Penalty
- $1-$5 fine per day, or civil fine
- Citation
- D.C. Code § 8-201 to § 8-203
Summary
In Washington, D.C., every lot on a street with a public sewer must have all of its drainage connect into that sewer, and into the water main too where one runs along the same street.
Each original lot or subdivisional lot situated on any street in the District of Columbia where there is a public sewer shall be connected with said sewer in such manner that any and all of the drainage of such lot, whether water or liquid refuse of any kind, except human urine and fecal matter, shall flow into said sewer
Full Breakdown
Under D.C. Code § 8-201, an original or subdivisional lot fronting a street with a public sewer must be connected so that all drainage from the lot, stormwater and any liquid refuse other than human waste, flows into the sewer; where a water main also runs there, the lot must connect to both. The requirement applies once the lot has a dwelling, workplace, or animal-keeping structure on it, or, for vacant lots, once the Director of Human Services certifies the connection is needed for public health. The Mayor must notify owners of lots covered by this duty under § 8-202.
Violations & Fines
Failing to connect within 30 days of the Mayor's notice is a misdemeanor under D.C. Code § 8-203, punishable by a statutory fine of $1 to $5 per day of noncompliance, though civil fines and penalties under Title 2, Chapter 18 may be imposed instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every property in D.C. have to connect its drainage to the public sewer?
What happens if an owner ignores the connection notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
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