Stormwater runoff is rainwater that flows across the land and is routed through our stormwater drainage systems into creeks, lakes and wetlands. Urbanization reduces the amount of water that can be absorbed into the ground through the increase of impervious or hard surfaces such as roads, driveways, sidewalks, walkways and patios and roofs. The impervious surfaces increase the amount of stormwater runoff flowing overland that, if left uncontrolled, could result in increased risks to flooding, erosion, watercourse health and aquatic life.
The purpose of a municipal stormwater system is to collect, convey and discharge stormwater runoff to the natural environment.
A municipal stormwater system typically consists of service connection pipes (only allowed in limited areas in the County), catchbasins, mainline sewers, manholes, culverts and stormwater management ponds.
The County of Brant stormwater systems are located throughout the County with the largest systems being in the community of Paris, St. George and Cainsville.
Storm Sewer Use Bylaw
It is necessary to regulate the discharge of materials to municipal and private storm sewer systems and to protect water quality by preventing the discharge of harmful substances to municipal and private storm sewer systems and, ultimately, to water bodies within the County.
Discharges that do not meet the requirements outlined in the Storm Sewer Use By-law could have serious consequences for public health and safety, municipal infrastructure, and the environment. Even if the discharge is very small in quantity, the total combined effect can be significant. Unauthorized discharges could result in:
- Threat to the health and safety of sewer workers
- Damage to municipal infrastructure
- Discharge of contaminants to the natural environment
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