Storm drain stenciling and IDDE enforcement by the Philadelphia Water Department

The Philadelphia Water Department operates an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program to identify and stop illegal discharges into storm drains and combined sewers. PWD and partner organizations coordinate volunteer storm drain stenciling and public education events that mark catch basins with messages like 'Drains to River' to discourage dumping and raise awareness about storm drain connections. The department also conducts inspections and enforcement actions when nonstorm discharges are detected to protect waterways from pollutants conveyed by storm drains. These programs are part of PWD's broader stormwater and water-quality initiatives.