Sewer or catch basin?
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Learn the difference to help protect Vaughan’s water infrastructure and supply
Do you know the difference between a sewer and a catch basin? Both play an important role in keeping water flowing in Vaughan, but each has a unique function. It is important for all citizens to be aware of what should – and should not – go down the drain. Not knowing can significantly impact the City’s infrastructure and water quality.
Sewers collect wastewater that leaves homes and buildings through a drain, such as a toilet, sink, washer or shower, and helps move it to a wastewater treatment plant. Only toilet paper and human waste should ever be flushed down the drain – sanitary products and wipes (including those marketed as “flushable”) belong in the garbage.
A catch basin is a curbside drain that collects stormwater and run-off from outdoor water use, such as lawn watering and car washing, and carries it to local waterways. Stormwater is rainwater and melted snow that runs off lawns, streets and other land surfaces and can pick up all sorts of pollutants before eventually finding its way back into the rivers and lakes, which supply drinking water. Hard surfaces such as pavements and parking lots can prevent stormwater run-off from being properly absorbed into the ground. This kind of excess stormwater can have a negative impact on citizens and the environment. Catch basins do not connect to the same system as the drains in your house. That’s why keeping chemicals, fertilizers, yard waste, food, construction materials and other objects from going into catch basins is critical in protecting the City’s water supply.
In Vaughan, there are about 22,000 catch basins that keep stormwater moving. These drainage systems need to be regularly maintained to keep Vaughan’s water clean and safe. Although City staff clean and maintain catch basins annually, the resident living closest to the catch basin is responsible for clearing it on a regular basis. This is an important step in reducing the chances of flooding during heavy rainfalls.
Sometimes, excess water may fail to drain from the streets near a home or business, mostly when the surface of a catch basin is blocked by litter or debris. By ensuring catch basins are clear at the street level, citizens can help do their part to continue to 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.
The City is committed to providing clean and safe drinking water to all residents and businesses and uses strict water quality testing processes that continue to meet industry standards set by the Province of Ontario. 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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