What is included in a sanitary sewer system?

A sanitary sewer system is primarily designed to transport wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources to a treatment facility. This system specifically handles sanitary sewage, which includes human waste and used water from sinks, showers, and toilets, ensuring that it is collected and directed for proper treatment.

In contrast, stormwater runoff management, industrial waste treatment, and the collection of rainwater runoff are functions typically associated with different systems such as stormwater management systems or separate sewer systems. These systems serve to handle rainwater or industrial discharges separately, ensuring that the sanitary sewer remains focused solely on wastewater and reducing the risk of contamination or overload during heavy rainfall or storm events. Thus, the function of transporting wastewater from various sources stands out as the defining characteristic of a sanitary sewer system.