Help keep Vaughan’s water clean and safe
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Find out what should and shouldn’t go down the drain
As citizens enjoy splashpads and cold glasses of water on hot summer days, the City of Vaughan continues working to supply safe and clean drinking water to residents and businesses – but, did you know, maintaining quality water is everyone’s responsibility? Whether it's drinking water, wastewater or stormwater, we all have an essential role to play now and for future generations.
It is important to be aware of what can – and cannot – go down the drain. Not knowing can cause significant issues for the City’s infrastructure and water quality. Here are some quick water usage reminders to keep in mind for the rest of the summer.
Do:
- use environmentally friendly products when washing vehicles on your driveway. Not doing so means chemicals will be washed into storm sewers. This water is not treated before heading back into Lake Ontario.
- report illegal dumping (for example oils, fertilizers, paint and construction materials) by contacting Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Don’t:
- litter in or around stormwater ponds.
- dispose of food, food scraps, chemicals or fertilizers down catch basins.
- throw furniture, grass clippings and yard waste into stormwater ponds.
- use stormwater management ponds for recreational use, like swimming or fishing.
Sometimes, excess water may fail to drain from streets near homes or businesses, mostly when the surfaces of catch basins are blocked by debris. Therefore, ensuring catch basins are clear at the street level is one of the most important things citizens can do to help keep Vaughan’s water clean and safe.
To report sewer or street flooding, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
There are approximately 22,000 catch basins in Vaughan, which are critical in keeping stormwater moving. These drainage systems need to be regularly maintained to keep water clean and safe. Only rainwater should enter a catch basin. Help protect Vaughan’s drinking water by preventing chemicals, fertilizers, yard waste, food, construction materials and other objects from going into catch basins.
The City of Vaughan is committed to protecting the environment and fostering a sustainable future while delivering Service Excellence, as outlined in the Council-approved 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. Ensuring everyone understands the role they play in safe and efficient water and wastewater systems is critical in maintaining and protecting water, wastewater and stormwater services.
The City of Vaughan's drinking water comes from Lake Ontario. Water from Lake Ontario is first treated by the City of Toronto and Peel Region and then supplied to the City by York Region.
To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.
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