Last Updated 08/19/2026
Greater Augusta Utility District CSO Use Ordinance
SECTION 1 – General Provisions
1.1 Purpose and Policy
This ordinance sets forth uniform requirements for users of the wastewater collection and Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) for the Greater Augusta Utility District and enables the District to comply with all the applicable State and Federal laws including the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), and the General Pretreatment Regulations (40 CFR Part 403). The objectives of this ordinance are:
A. To prevent the introduction of pollutants into the POTW that will interfere with the operation of the POTW;
B. To prevent the introduction of pollutants into the POTW which will pass through the POTW, inadequately treated, into the receiving waters or otherwise be incompatible with the POTW;
C. To ensure that the quality of the wastewater treatment plant sludge is maintained at a level which allows its use and disposal in compliance with applicable statutes and regulations;
D. To protect POTW personnel who may be affected by wastewater and sludge in the course of their employment and to protect the general public;
E. To improve the opportunity to recycle and reclaim wastewater sludge from the POTW;
F. To enable the District to comply with its NPDES permit conditions, sludge use and disposal requirements and any other Federal or State laws to which the POTW is subject.
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SECTION 3 – General Use Requirements
3.1 Prohibited Discharge Standards
No person(s) shall introduce or cause to be introduced into the POTW any pollutant or wastewater which causes pass through or interference. These general prohibitions apply to all industrial users of the POTW whether or not they are subject to categorical pretreatment standards or any other National, State or local pretreatment standards or requirements. Furthermore, no person(s) may contribute the following substances to the POTW.
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D. Any wastewater containing pollutants, including oxygen demanding pollutants (BOD, etc.), released in a discharge at a flow rate and/or pollutant concentration which either singly or by interaction with other pollutants, will cause interference with either the POTW or any wastewater treatment or sludge process, or which will constitute a hazard to humans or animals
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L. Stormwater, surface water, groundwater, artesian well water, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, swimming pool drainage, condensate, deionized water, noncontact cooling water, and unpolluted industrial wastewater, unless specifically authorized by the General Manager.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What drainage and erosion control measures does Augusta require for new development?
All development in Augusta must control stormwater runoff and prevent erosion and sedimentation. Properties need an adequate drainage and erosion control system using whatever combination of swales, ditches, mulch, hay bales, erosion control mesh, sedimentation basins, detention or retention basins, conveyance pipes, catch basins, and manholes is necessary to effectively move stormwater off the site and intercept groundwater away from street subbase materials.
Who oversees stormwater compliance in Augusta?
The city’s Storm Water Management Board oversees compliance, made up of representatives from the Departments of City Engineering, Public Works, and Planning Bureaus, along with the Augusta Sanitary District and the Greater Augusta Utility District. The board has authority to inspect properties and issue a notice of violation for non-compliance with the Sewer Use Ordinance.
Can stormwater be discharged into Augusta's wastewater treatment system?
No, not without specific authorization. Under the Greater Augusta Utility District’s Combined Sewer Overflow Use Ordinance, stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, and similar unpolluted flows are prohibited from entering the Publicly Owned Treatment Works unless the General Manager specifically authorizes it. This keeps stormwater separated from the sanitary system so it doesn’t overload treatment capacity or interfere with plant operations.
Why does Augusta prohibit certain discharges into its treatment system?
The prohibited discharge standards exist to prevent pollutants from interfering with treatment plant operations, passing through inadequately treated into receiving waters, or compromising the quality of treatment plant sludge. The rules also protect treatment plant personnel and the public, and help the utility district stay in compliance with its NPDES permit and other federal and state requirements.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
