Stormwater Management System

A stormwater system helps carry rainwater safely away from streets and buildings into nature. It includes things like drains, pipes, ponds, and other parts that move water and help prevent flooding.

On This Page:

• Introduction to Stormwater 
• What is Stormwater Management?
• Stormwater Assets
• Stormwater Management Activities
• Stormwater Systems
• Stormwater Pond Maintenance

Introduction to Stormwater 

Stormwater is the rain or melted snow that runs off roofs, roads, driveways, and other surfaces. Instead of soaking into the ground, this water flows into storm drains and ditches, and can pick up dirt and pollution along the way.

What is Stormwater Management? 

Stormwater Management (SWM) is the installation and application of infrastructure, naturally designed systems and ongoing operational programs to mitigate the impacts of stormwater to our communities and the natural environment.

County of Brant Stormwater Assets

In the County of Brant, our stormwater system includes: 

• Over 1,200 km of ditches
• 180 km of storm sewers
• More than 5,400 structures (like catch basins, maintenance holes, and oil grit separators)
• 5,400+ culverts
• 910+ km of natural watercourses
• 29 stormwater management ponds
• 13 unassumed stormwater ponds
• 9 Low Impact Development (LID) facilities
• 250+ outlets

Total system value (2024): $215 million

Stormwater Management Activities

In the County of Brant, here’s how we take care of our stormwater system:

• Regular operation and maintenance
• Repairs to pipes, culverts, ditches, and storm structures (like maintenance holes and catch basins)
• Inspections, clean-outs, and maintenance of stormwater management (SWM) ponds
• Asset inspection and maintenance for pipes, structures, culverts, ditches, and oil grit separators
• Providing infrastructure locating services
• Keeping our digital database updated and organized
• Making sure we meet regulatory requirements through monitoring and reporting
• Completing Stormwater Servicing Area Studies
• Reviewing and updating our asset inventory
• Planning and carrying out infrastructure replacements and improvements

County of Brant Stormwater Systems

Stormwater systems are spread throughout the County of Brant, with the largest ones in Paris, St. George, and Cainsville. These systems include:

• Culverts
  Culverts are structures that carry water under roads, driveways, or similar areas. They help move water safely but cannot be used to run things like irrigation pipes under roads.

• Storm Sewers
  Storm sewers are pipes that carry rainwater and melting snow away from streets and buildings, sending it to stormwater ponds or nearby rivers and lakes.

• Stormwater Service Connections
  These connections link private properties to the County’s stormwater system. For most homes, these connections are only allowed in special cases and need County approval.

• Stormwater Management Ponds
  Stormwater ponds collect and hold extra rainwater to help prevent flooding. They are not meant for public use, so please keep children and pets away. These ponds have special inlets to bring in water during heavy rains and outlets that slowly release the water afterward.

Stormwater Pond Maintenance

The County of Brant maintains 29 stormwater management ponds in Burford, Oakland, Paris, Scotland, and St. George.

Our role in pond maintenance includes:

• Removing sediments that build up over time
• Clearing debris in and around the ponds
• Maintaining structures like gates and valves
• Caring for the surrounding plants and vegetation
• Replacing vegetation when needed
• Stabilizing pond banks to prevent erosion
• Regularly monitoring pond conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are stormwater ponds important?

Ponds store excess rainfall during large storms to prevent flooding of basements and homes Ponds help to settle sediments and other contaminants The naturalized edges of the ponds create habitat for wildlife, birds and insects.

Why is the water in the stormwater pond poor quality?

Fertilizer use results in excess nutrients causing smelly algal blooms and undesirable weed growth. Excess algae reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water making it difficult for aquatic species to live. This also intensifies water odour. Bacteria from animal waste along with other contaminants are health hazards to humans and pets.

Why can't I skate or play on a frozen stormwater pond?

The ponds collect runoff and because of the constant flow, they never fully freeze Fluctuating water levels can make the top layer of ice extremely unstable, as can salt from the roads

The County of Brant regulates the discharge of materials to municipal and private storm sewer systems. This is to protect water quality by preventing the discharge of harmful substances to municipal and private storm systems and ultimately to water bodies within the County.

Discharges that do not meet the requirements outlined in the Storm Sewer Use ByLaw (PDF) may have serious consequences for public health and safety, municipal infrastructure and the environment.