News Release: May 23, 2019
Region of Peel Council endorses Inflow & Infiltration, Reduction & Mitigation Strategy
The Strategy will help to reduce basement flooding due to sewer backups
Brampton, ON. (May 23, 2019) – Region of Peel Council has endorsed a Wastewater Inflow and Infiltration (I&I), Reduction and Mitigation Strategy. The Strategy will assist in reducing the effects of climate change such as basement flooding, resulting from sewer back-ups. This multi-year strategy will be implemented through careful investigation, followed by prioritizing work in the most vulnerable areas and implementing new construction standards for the sewer system.
Inflow is rain water or snowmelt that enters sewers through direct connections from downspouts, catch basins and foundation drains. Infiltration is water that enters the wastewater collection system through holes and cracks in sewers.
“We have over 3,500 km of pipes and over 55,000 maintenance holes across the Region of Peel. Maintaining this vast sanitary sewer system is complex,” said Andrew Farr, Acting Commissioner of Public Works. “Aging infrastructure and climate change have the biggest flow impacts on our sewer system, added Farr.
Some highlights of Peel’s I&I Strategy include:
- Identifying and mitigating issues, including field investigation activities such as:
- Flow monitoring, close circuit television (CCTV) and maintenance hole inspections
- Smoke and dye testing
- Diverting and storing overflow, including:
- Diverting sanitary flows around known problem areas by constructing pipelines to divert and/or store excess flows
- Using real-time control devices to redirect flows from high flow areas to available capacity
- Programs for residents, including:
- Mandatory, fully funded Downspout Disconnection program in focused pilot area
- Backwater Valve subsidy program
“Our long-term Strategy not only addresses flooding issues region-wide, but will offer resident programs, such as downspout disconnection that will address neighbourhoods with higher risk of flooding from sewer back-ups,” concludes Farr.
For more information, see the full report at peelregion.ca/council.
Media Contacts
Maria Andersen
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
905-791-7800, ext. 4660
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
