Infectious rain? Evaluation of human pathogen concentrations in stormwater in separate sewer systems

Separate sewer systems collect and discharge rainwater directly into surface water bodies. In residential areas covering moderate traffic load these are alternative drainage routes to avoid combined sewer overflow discharge and to keep rivers clean as required by the EU Water Framework Directive. This overflow's microbial quality, however, needs to be evaluated, since stormwater run-offs are potential pathways for pathogens into river systems. Between 2010 and 2016, two separate sewer systems in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) were investigated. The stormwater outflow was sampled during discharge events and microbiologically analysed. The results showed high concentrations of Escherichia coli (1,100–1,100,000 CFU/100 mL) and Clostridium perfringens (20–13,000 CFU/100 mL). Campylobacter and Salmonella were detected in 97% and 43% of the samples. Giardia cysts were more often detected (31.6%) than Cryptosporidium oocysts (10.5%). The sources of human pathogens in rainwater run-off are heterogeneous. While roads have already been declared as chemical polluters via rainwater run-off, our study detected supplementary pollution of mainly faecal microorganisms. Presumably, failed connections in the sewer system itself are important sources of human pathogens. We suggest treatment of stormwater run-offs before being discharged into the river system.