Allegheny County Wet Weather Rules & Regulations

Article XIV: Sewage Disposal Rules and Regulations

Created in 1997 and enforced by the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), this sewage disposal regulation was designed to “encourage owners, operators and users of sewage disposal systems to institute pollution prevention programs and practice pollution prevention to the extent possible.”  Article XIV outlines requirements for sewage disposal systems, non-sewered toilet systems, such as those used on construction sites or public events, sewage waste hauling vehicles, and abandonment of sewage facilities to ensure that these systems do not contaminate water supplies.  ACHD’s Public Drinking Water and Waste Management Division is permitted to conduct an inspection of any sewage facility or system at any time, if deemed necessary. 

In addition, all municipalities in Allegheny County must submit to ACHD a map of all municipal community or common sewage conveyance and treatment systems within their municipal borders.  The map must accurately depict the location of municipal sewers, as well as the size, flow direction, manhole locations, pump stations, sewage treatment facilities and any combined sewer or sanitary sewer discharge points.

If the Health Department determines that any condition violates these sewage regulations, it can order the responsible person or municipality (ies) to develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to remedy the problem.

Find out more: Article XIV: Sewage Disposal Rules and Regulations. 

Article XV:  Plumbing and Building Drainage 

This code regulates private drainage and water supply systems throughout Allegheny County to protect public health against the hazards of inadequate or unsanitary plumbing systems.  The regulation is written based on 23 basic principles of environmental sanitation and safety.  

For example:  

• All occupied structures must have water suitable for drinking
• Public sewers must be used where available for buildings intended for human habitation
• Each family dwelling must have at least one bathroom to meet basic sanitation and personal hygiene needs.
• Where a plumbing drainage system is subject to backflow of sewage from the public sewer, provisions must be made to prevent any overflow into the building.
• Sewage or other waste cannot be discharged to any waterway without treatment.
• Stormwater (from roofs, paved areas, etc.) must be conveyed to a public storm or combined sewer where available.

Under Article XV, before a project, such as plumbing repairs, sewer line replacement or construction, is started, an application, plans and specifications must be filed and a permit issued by ACHD.  The code outlines standards for the materials and installation of house laterals, as well as plumbing and storm sewer systems. At any time, ACHD can conduct inspections to ensure the work is completed properly. 

Find out more:  Article XV Plumbing and Building Drainage.