There are two types of sewer systems: the storm sewer system and the sanitary sewer system. The municipal storm sewer system carries the rain and snow melt water that reach the City’s catch basins, which are typically found along the side of roadways or in parking lots. This water drains directly back into the local watercourse, Kempenfelt Bay, or Little Lake. Flooding can occur when catch basins or culverts are blocked.
Water that enters a storm drain is NOT treated to remove pollutants. It is important not to dispose of any waste materials into any storm water collection point. Catch basins are never an option to dispose of hazardous materials such as paints, oils, grout wash water or drywall mud. Please help protect our drinking water sources.
Sewer Use By-law
The City's Sewer Use By-law provides guidance to residents and businesses on proper wastewater and stormwater disposal practices. It sets limits for certain substances that, if discharged to the storm and/or sanitary sewer systems over the limits, could damage City infrastructure and/or end up in Lake Simcoe untreated.
Storm Sewer Devices
Catch Basins
If your property or business has catch basins on it, they should be cleaned out at least annually to help protect Kempenfelt Bay. It is the property owner's responsibility to hire a licensed contractor approved to clean out your catch basins based on your facility type. The material from the catch basin must be disposed of accordingly.
If fuel or oil is discovered during the cleanout of your catch basin, it should be treated as an environmental spill; call the Ministry of Environment Spill Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.
Oil Grit Separators (OGS)
OGS units are included in most newer storm sewer designs, but not all areas of Barrie have OGS units. These units can remove suspended solids from stormwater. There is a limited capacity in most OGS units to capture floating contaminants (oils, gasoline, etc.). Routine maintenance empties these units of sediment and oils, and emergency cleanouts can be required.
LittaTraps (Pilot Program)
The City of Barrie installed LittaTraps in catch basins, undertaking a pilot program to catch litter before it enters city select stormwater drains, to help protect Lake Simcoe.
Did you know? The City conducts a larviciding program to control larval mosquitoes to prevent their development into vectors of West Nile Virus. Larvicide is placed into municipal-owned catch basins of storm drains within the boundaries of the city of Barrie. Learn more about the larvicide application.
Flooding
Flooding can occur if the sewer connection to a building becomes blocked by tree roots, grease, objects and other debris. Flooding can also occur during spring and summer storms and also when catch basins or culverts are blocked. Basic preventative measures include:
- do not put grease or objects (such as diapers, wipes, paper towels, rags, dental floss) down your toilet or drains.
- consider installing a sump pump if required.
Sump pumps are installed in the basement of homes to collect water from the foundation of the house and pump it out onto the lawn to prevent basement flooding. - keep catch basins clear of leaves and debris. In the fall, sweep up leaves for bagging or composting to prevent excess debris from entering the sewer system.
- consider having your plumbing cleared of any debris, roots, etc.
If you have a back-up of water and/or sewage in your basement, please:
- Check the toilets and sinks and clear any blockages.
- If that doesn’t solve the problem, please call us at 705-726-4242.
- Avoid using your plumbing until the problem has resolved to minimize any damage.
- Make notes of everything that happens (i.e. where and when the water came in, anything you did to help alleviate the flooding). This will help City staff or your plumber determine the cause of the flooding.
It is important that any obstructions that can contribute to flooding be reported to the City of Barrie as soon as possible. Call 705-726-4242.
During spring weather conditions and heavy rainfall events, water levels in local creeks and watercourses can rise and be dangerous. Please call the City at 705-726-4242 (after-hours, please follow the prompts) to report any of the following:
- obstructions in creeks or watercourses
- flooded ditches
- blocked culverts
- flooded roadways