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:

1. food-related grease interceptors
2. vehicle and equipment service oil and grease interceptors
3. sediment interceptors
4. 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