Catch basin or maintenance hole?

Did you know that catch basins and maintenance holes connect to two different systems? Both play an essential role in keeping water flowing in Vaughan, but each has a unique function. It’s important for everyone to be aware of what should — and should not — go down the drain to help maintain the City of Vaughan’s water infrastructure, quality and supply.

Maintenance holes are typically found on the road, are covered by a solid lid and provide City staff access to Vaughan’s sanitary sewer system. Sanitary sewers collect wastewater that leaves homes and buildings through a drain, such as a toilet, sink or shower, and move it to a wastewater treatment plant. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the drain – sanitary products and wipes (including those marketed as “flushable”) belong in the garbage.

Catch basins are typically found curbside and covered with a slotted lid or grate to collect stormwater run-off and move it to a stormwater management pond. The water that enters Vaughan’s stormwater system goes back into local creeks, rivers and lakes, like Lake Ontario – the source of Vaughan’s drinking water. That’s why it’s important to keep chemicals, fertilizers, yard waste, food and other materials from going into catch basins to help keep the City’s water supply safe and clean.

Vaughan has approximately 22,000 catch basins that must be regularly maintained to continue to keep Vaughan’s stormwater moving. To do this, City staff annually clean and maintain the catch basins of leaves and other debris to reduce the chances of flooding during heavy rainfalls.

You can play a part in reducing flooding too! The resident living closest to a catch basin is encouraged to help clear it of leaves and other debris if it’s safe. Alternatively, if you see street flooding, contact Access Vaughan by phone at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.

The City is committed to providing clean and safe drinking water to all residents and businesses. Staff use strict water quality testing processes that continue to meet industry standards set by the Province of Ontario. In addition, maintenance of the City's water infrastructure ensures water continues to flow now and for generations to come. This further aligns with the City’s focus on environmental stewardship, a priority in the Council-approved 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.

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