Stormwater refers to water generated by precipitation events as well as water from washing cars, irrigation, pressure washing, commercial activities, and other sources. The city operates under its  Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and Stormwater Management Plan to maintain stormwater infrastructure, address illicit discharges, provide public education, and prevent pollution. Inspecting, testing, monitoring, repairing, and planning are just some of the activities that go into our comprehensive stormwater plan.

Septic systems

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 25 percent of the U.S. population relies on onsite wastewater systems to treat and dispose of their household waste. Of that number, about 95 percent of the disposal systems are septic tank systems. Many homes in Suwanee’s historic area have septic systems.

• Do I have a septic system?
  If you are a Gwinnett Water Resources (County) water customer, look on your bill under current charges. If there is a zero charge for “Sewer Amount,” you probably have a septic system. Even if you are a City of Suwanee water system customer and receive your water supply from the city, you may be connected to the County’s sewer system. In this case, you should have an account with Gwinnett Water Resources and receive a monthly sewer bill.

• Where is my septic system located on my property?
  The Gwinnett Environmental Health Section maintains records for septic systems installed since 1959. You can obtain a sketch showing the approximate location by contacting the Environmental Health Section at 770-963-5132.

• Why is maintenance necessary on a septic system?
  A septic system failure can threaten water quality and create health hazards.

• How does a septic system work and what maintenance is needed?
  Below are a number of resources to help you learn about the operation and maintenance of a septic system.

• Homeowner’s Septic Tank Guide & Maintenance Record File (PDF)
• On-Site Sewage Management System – Owner’s Reference Guide (PDF) 

Stormwater organizations and information

Many organizations are active in stormwater management efforts. Each link below provides access to websites full of additional resources.

• U.S. Department of Agriculture, Water Quality Information Center
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Non-Point Source Pollution
• U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources of Georgia
• Clean Water Campaign
• Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District
• UGA Extension Water-Wise Landscape Guide for the Georgia Piedmont
• Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful
• Downloadable Brochure:
  Solutions to Water Pollution for the Commercial Landscaping & Lawn Care Industry