Sewer Use By-law update
In 2024 the updated Sewer Use Bylaw was passed by Council. Thanks to everyone who participated in the conversation.
We're updating the Sewer Use By-law
The aim is to modernize the bylaw to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the Guelph community and aligns with industry best practices. The existing bylaw was adopted in 1996 and hasn't been amended since 2006. Since then, standards have changed and various proposed updates to the bylaw will help the City operate the sewer systems more effectively.
The bylaw helps make sure harmful pollutants (chemicals, oils, fats and grease, etc.) are managed properly to increase the life cycles of the wastewater and stormwater systems, reduce the cost of maintenance and help protect the Speed River and our environment.
This update will ensure the bylaw:
- aligns with the latest industry standards and best management practices
- complies with current federal and provincial regulations
- is more user-friendly and organized in a way that is easy for both residents and City staff to utilize it
Some of the key areas of focus are:
- requirements for:
- food-related grease interceptors
- vehicle and equipment service oil and grease interceptors
- sediment interceptors
- dental waste amalgam separator
- sanitary and storm discharges
- update of overstrength agreement formula
- updated contaminant lists/schedules
- swimming pools and hot tubs
We expect to bring the updated by-law with the accompanying report to Council in April 2023.
You can also find more information about Guelph's sewer system along with actions you can take to help prevent issues in the sewer system and protect our environment on the right-hand menu of this page.
Please stay tuned to this page for further project information and updates or visit the project page.
Please note: This project began in an older version of our website. Some of the tools and information may appear different than originally designed.
Who's Listening
Danielle Anders, M.A.Sc, P.Eng, Project manager, GM BluePlan Engineering Lt.
Phil McIntyre, C.Tech., CAN-CISEC, Supervisior of Environmental Compliance & Laboratory Services
Phases
First Round of Engagement
Leave a question for us here. Our team will get back to you in three business days.
What is the Sewer Use Bylaw?
The Sewer Use By-law ensures that the sanitary and stormwater sewers work properly by limiting and preventing residents and businesses from pouring or flushing harmful and dangerous materials (chemicals, oils, fats, grease, salt, baby wipes etc.) down drains, toilets and stormwater sewers.
The by-law acts as a regulatory tool to help us prevent damage, reduce maintenance costs, keep our staff and community safe and protects the Speed River and the environment.
The by-law also regulates the disposal of waste which is not directly connected to the sewer system and is hauled by truck to the wastewater treatment plant (i.e. septic tanks, portable toilets).
Who enforces the Sewer Use Bylaw?
The City’s Environmental Protection Officers are responsible for inspections, responding to complaints, and investigating by-law violations. Changes to the Bylaw will enable them to issue tickets for a variety of offences in addition to laying charges for repeat violations. Their primary goal is to work towards by-law compliance through educating users about the reasons for the regulations – to protect health, safety, and the environment.
What does the by-law update mean for the residents of the City of Guelph?
Everyone who lives or works in Guelph uses and benefits from the sewer systems. Changes to the by-law are intended to clarify issues such as:
- What you flush or pour down drains and stormwater sewers.
- How you manage and drain your pool, spa or hot tub.
- What infrastructure you’re responsible for (private plumbing that connects to the City’s sewer system) versus what the City is responsible for.
- What regulations and restrictions institutional, commercial, or industrial properties must meet with regards to their company’s sewer discharges.
- How spills are managed and reported to help protect our waterway and the environment.
What changes for business will be made to the Sewer Use By-law?
Some of the proposed changes to the By-law include the following:
- A more comprehensive list of restricted substances
- Reduced limits on some substances that are permitted to be discharged to the sewer system
- Clarification of existing requirements under the Building Code regarding grease interceptors for restaurants and other food-preparation establishments and sediment interceptors for vehicle/equipment service stations
- Updates to administrative and operating fees in keeping with the true cost of providing services
How do limits on the discharges of various substances help the sewer system?
Limiting the discharge of various substances helps the system operate properly by reducing blockages and backups, preventing corrosion, and protecting the health and safety of wastewater operations staff. Some substances will disrupt the wastewater treatment facility, resulting in increased costs and risk to the Speed River where treated water is discharged.
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Event date: October 12th, 2021 at 4:00 PM to October 30th, 2021 at 7:00 PM.
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