GENERAL DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS AND PRIVATE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code tit. III, ch. 672

in effect

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 672-101 Definitions.

Sec. 672-101. - Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section. Building sewer means the extension from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of disposal and shall include that portion of the drain within the public right-of-way. Combined sewer means a sewer that has been designed or intended to receive both surface runoff and sewage. Natural outlet means any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface water or groundwater. Sanitary sewer means a sewer that carries sewage and to which stormwaters, surface waters and groundwaters are not intentionally admitted. Storm sewer means a sewer that carries surface waters and storm waters and to which sanitary sewage and other pollutants are not intentionally admitted. Wastewater means a combination of the liquid and water-carried pollutants from residences, commercial businesses, institutions and industrial establishments, together with such groundwaters, surface waters and stormwaters as may be present. Watercourse means a channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently. (G.O. 36, 2011, § 23; G.O. 16, 2022, § 48)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 672-102 General discharge prohibitions.

Sec. 672-102. - General discharge prohibitions. It shall be unlawful to discharge or cause or allow discharge to any storm sewer natural outlet or watercourse within the city any wastewater or other polluted waters or hazardous materials, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with regulations adopted by CWA Authority and other applicable federal, state and local law. (G.O. 36, 2011, § 23; G.O. 16, 2022, § 49)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 672-103 Prohibited discharges to public sewers.

Sec. 672-103. - Prohibited discharges to public sewers. (a) No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff or subsurface drainage into any sanitary sewer. (b) Stormwater and all other unpolluted drainage may be discharged through existing structures to such sewers as are specifically designated as combined sewers or storm sewers. No additional flow shall be introduced. Industrial cooling waters or unpolluted process waters may only be discharged upon approval by CWA Authority. (c) No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged to any public sewer wastewater or pollutants other than in compliance with the regulations adopted by CWA Authority, and all other applicable federal, state and local law. (G.O. 36, 2011, § 23)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 672-104 Private wastewater disposal systems.

Sec. 672-104. - Private wastewater disposal systems. (a) Except as provided in this section, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool or other facility intended or used for the disposal of wastewater. (b) Where a public sanitary or combined sewer is not available, the building sewer shall be connected to a private wastewater disposal system complying with the provisions of this article. (c) Before the commencement of construction of a private wastewater disposal system, the owner shall first obtain all necessary permits, including a permit issued by the Marion County Health Department. (d) The type, capacities, location and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all regulations of the Indiana State Board of Health and of the Marion County Health Department. No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge into any natural outlet in any circumstance. (e) Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to interfere with any additional requirements that may be imposed by the Marion County Health Department. (f) The owner of private wastewater disposal facilities shall operate and maintain such facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, at no expense to the city. (g) When a private wastewater disposal system is abandoned, any septic tanks, cesspools and similar private wastewater disposal facilities shall be cleaned of sludge and filled with clean gravel or dirt. (G.O. 36, 2011, § 23)

Source: Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County, Revised Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/in/indianapolis_-_marion_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIPUHEWE_CH672GEDIPRPRWADISYFetched: 10/27/2026