The Sewer Use By-law prohibits, regulates and inspects the discharge of water and sewage into Barrie’s sanitary and storm sewers. The by-law establishes limits for water quality parameters such as phosphorus, nutrients, and suspended solids. To maintain properly functioning sewers, hazardous substances such as paints and fuels must not enter the municipal sewer systems. Unacceptable discharges to sanitary and storm sewers could result in:
- the release of harmful substances to Lake Simcoe and other municipal drinking water sources;
- pollution entering the natural environment;
- damage to public and private infrastructure;
- interference with normal operation of the Wastewater Treatment Facility;
- inability to re-use the treated sludge (biosolids) from the Wastewater Treatment Facility to be used as a natural fertilizer;
- threat to the health and safety of the public and City staff; and
- degradation of local waterways, including City of Barrie beaches.
To ensure this does not happen, discharges must be controlled at their sources. The Sewer Use By-law governs Industrial/Commercial/Institutional (ICI) businesses in achieving compliance with City of Barrie environmental expectations. The City reaches out to businesses to issue and complete a Sewer Use Screening Form and to participate in a Sewer Use Inspection.
This provides information such as a description of operations, wastewater characteristics, disposal practises, spill prevention and schematic process diagrams, helping the City to better understand and monitor ICI facilities. It also allows for a discussion on small improvements to be made in areas that may go unnoticed. This ultimately reduces the load on the wastewater treatment facility and protects Kempenfelt Bay.
The Environmental Investigation and Response Section enforces the Sewer Use By-law for all residents and ICI facilities through compliance inspections and monitoring.
Learn about the City's storm and sanitary sewer systems at barrie.ca/sewers.
Benefits of the Sewer Use By-law
- Healthier aquatic environment
- Protection of Lake Simcoe and its tributaries
- Improved water quality
- Safe conditions for recreational water activities
- Continued beauty of local natural resource for citizens’ enjoyment
Discharge Agreement
Discharge of water originating from a source other than the City’s Municipal Drinking Water System and leachate to the municipal sanitary sewer is prohibited unless authorized by a Discharge Agreement. See Discharge Agreement Application.