Not all homeowners know about this ban. You can even get arrested

Since mid-August, the Jaworzno Waterworks has been inspecting properties and sewage installations for illegal connections through which rainwater from roofs, paved surfaces or drainage installations may flow into the sanitary sewage system.

– Practices related to the introduction of rainwater, meltwater and drainage water into the sanitary sewage system are strictly prohibited. Rainwater from roofs, paved surfaces or drainage systems may cause the accumulation of rainwater in the sanitary system, which is not adapted to its disposal – says Sławomir Grucel from Jaworzno Waterworks, quoted by portalsamorządowy.pl.

Grucel emphasizes that rainwater accumulated in the sanitary installation is a threat to the property. The inflow of water can cause sewage to back up and, as a result, flood, for example, utility rooms, or lead to their overflow onto the square directly next to our house. In addition, getting rid of rainwater in this way is also detrimental to the functioning of the municipal sewage treatment plant, especially its mechanical and biological parts.

What penalty could homeowners face?

The inspections are carried out using a so-called smoke machine. This is a device that produces a harmless mist that is blown into sewage manholes and finds its way out through illegal connection points.

A property owner who is found to be illegally discharging rainwater into the sanitary sewage system will be summoned to remove this condition. Failure to comply with the summons may, according to the law, result in a penalty of restriction of liberty or a fine – even up to PLN 10,000.

Jaworzno officials advise that during short but intense rainfall, consider installing underground or above-ground tanks to retain rainwater. The water collected in this way can be used on the farm or in the garden.