There are two types of discharge of "dirty" water:

• "Grey" water: Water from sinks, showers, washing machines, etc.

• "Black" water: Water from toilets

There is a difference between straight-piping (i.e., release of soapy water from a washing machine) and mere redirection of water (such as installing a pipe to direct slight gutter discharge of clean rainwater away from a house). Redirection of unpolluted water such as rainwater is relatively harmless; however, straight-piping of dirty household water can have severe adverse effects on the environment.

If deposited in the ground or into a stream, wastewater from straight-piping will find its way directly into surface water in the area, including lakes and water supplies. It affects local wildlife that drink the contaminated water, damages local fauna, and encourages the growth of algae that will kill local fish if discharge of untreated water is severe. "Dirty" water from straight-piping can spread into local lakes, streams, rivers, and the drinking water supply, and cause health problems for humans and animals.

Straight-piping is not legal, as it is a severe environmental and health hazard. A person violating the law by straight-piping in any manner can be subjected to legal penalties such as severe fines.

• North Carolina follows a self-reporting policy whereby anyone who wishes to voluntarily report a case of their own straight-piping can be assisted in managing and resolving the violation without incurring any fines or legal penalties.

Under North Carolina law, property sellers must be given the opportunity to indicate whether any wastewater from their property is straight-piped, and this information must be provided to potential buyers, along with a notice stating that straight-piping is illegal and environmentally unsafe.

To put an end to illegal straight-piping on a property in a safe and legal fashion, the flow of unprocessed water must be redirected to a sewage system or septic tank to be properly treated. If the property does not have access to such a system or tank, then the proper devices must be installed following approved procedures. The property owner may perform the installation of a septic tank, but a permit must be obtained and all laws and ordinances followed; the proper authorities must perform connection to a public sewage system.

The North Carolina WaDE (Wastewater Discharge Elimination) program, like similar programs in other states, has been instrumental in assisting communities and individuals to correct the problem of straight-piping by instructing them in following the proper procedures. For individuals who are not financially capable of installing a septic tank or directing their waste to an approved waste-processing center, the WaDE program also provides access to funds through governmental agencies, regional governmental councils, and local community initiatives.

More information about the WaDE program can be found online at:

www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/oww/Wade/wade.htm.

More information about the environmental effects of straight-piping is available from the EPA online at:

http://www.epa.gov

More information about legal matters regarding wastewater disposal can be found in the North Carolina General Statutes, online at:

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us