# Storm Drain Connection

A storm drain connection carries site drainage to a public storm system. It is a separate system with separate approvals from sanitary sewer. Denver Sewer and Water is a private contractor. The stormwater authority approves the connection. We build it.

- Storm is a separate system from sanitary.
- Separate approval and separate rules.
- Site drainage, area drains, and inlets.
- Detention and water quality requirements.
- Private contractor, not the city.

## What a Storm Drain Connection Is

Storm drainage carries rain and snowmelt runoff. Sanitary sewer carries wastewater. In the Denver metro these are separate systems, and connecting one to the other is prohibited.

A storm connection ties site drainage, whether from area drains, inlets, downspouts, or a detention outlet, into a public storm sewer, an inlet, or an approved discharge point.

Storm connections often bring drainage review with them, because the authority cares about how much runoff you are sending and at what rate.

- New commercial site drainage tying into a public storm main.
- Redevelopment that increases impervious area.
- Chronic yard or foundation drainage needing a legal outfall.
- Detention pond outlet connections.
- Correcting an illegal sump or downspout connection to the sanitary sewer.

## Who Authorizes the Tap and Who Performs the Tap

Denver Sewer and Water is a private, family owned and operated contractor. We are not Denver Water or the City and County of Denver. We do not issue permits, set fees, own the mains, or approve service. The utility or municipality with jurisdiction does all of that.

The stormwater or public works authority approves the connection point, reviews the drainage design where required, sets water quality and detention requirements, and inspects the work.

Denver Sewer and Water performs the excavation, the connection, and the on-site piping under those approvals.

The authority authorizes. The licensed contractor performs. Below is the split for this type of work.

- Authority: Approves the connection point and the discharge.
- Authority: Reviews drainage design, detention, and water quality requirements.
- Authority: Issues permits and inspects the connection.
- Denver Sewer and Water: Confirms what the authority requires before design work proceeds.
- Denver Sewer and Water: Installs site piping, inlets, and structures.
- Denver Sewer and Water: Makes the connection to the public system.
- Denver Sewer and Water: Coordinates inspection and closes out the permit.
- Denver Sewer and Water: Restores pavement, curb, and landscape as required.

## How a Storm Connection Runs

1. **Confirm the Legal Outfall** We establish where the authority will actually accept discharge, which is the constraint the rest of the design follows.
2. **Design and Review** Where drainage review applies, the design is submitted and approved before construction.
3. **Install and Connect** Structures and piping go in at grade and the connection to the public system is made to the approved detail.
4. **Inspect and Restore** Work is inspected, then curb, pavement, and surface are restored.

## Storm Connection Costs

Authority side can include permit, review, and inspection fees, and in some jurisdictions ongoing stormwater service charges based on impervious area.

Contractor side is driven by pipe size and length, structure count, depth, and pavement or curb restoration.

We do not publish fee amounts. Tap fees, plant investment fees, permit fees, and inspection fees are set by the authority with jurisdiction and change on their schedule, not ours. We confirm the current figures in writing with that authority for your address before work is scheduled.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I connect my sump pump to the sanitary sewer?**

No. Clear water connections to the sanitary system are prohibited across Denver metro jurisdictions and are an enforcement issue.

**Do I need a detention pond?**

That depends on the site and the authority's drainage criteria. It is determined in review, not on site.

**Who owns the storm line on my property?**

Private site drainage is generally owner maintained up to the public connection. We confirm the boundary for your jurisdiction.

**Are you Denver Water?**

No. Denver Sewer and Water is a private, family owned and operated company. We are not Denver Water or the City and County of Denver. We are the licensed contractor who performs the physical work after the authority with jurisdiction issues the permit.

**Can you tell me my tap fee amount over the phone?**

We can tell you which fees apply to your project type and who charges them. The dollar amounts come from the authority with jurisdiction, and we confirm them for your specific address rather than quoting from memory.

## Related Tap Services and Municipal Process Pages

- [Sewer Tap Installation](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/sewer-tap-installation) Connecting a property to a sanitary sewer main, from permit through inspection.
- [Sanitary Sewer Connection for New Construction](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/sanitary-sewer-connection-new-construction) Sequencing the sewer connection inside a new build schedule.
- [Tap Permit Process in Denver](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/tap-permit-process-denver) How a tap moves from application to authorized construction in Denver.
- [Denver Wastewater Tap Fees Explained](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/denver-wastewater-tap-fees-explained) What each fee category on a wastewater tap project is for and who charges it.
- [Tap Process in Lakewood](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/tap-process-lakewood) Lakewood properties are served by separate water and sanitation districts.
- [Abandonment and Cut-and-Cap Requirements](https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/abandonment-cut-and-cap-requirements) Properly killing an old service at the main during demolition or replacement.

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Denver Sewer and Water is a privately owned, licensed and insured plumbing contractor. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Denver Water, the municipal water utility, or any government entity. To pay a municipal water bill or reach the public utility, visit denverwater.org.

Source: https://www.denversewerandwater.com/taps/storm-drain-connection