The storm sewer

Stormwater is the water from rain and melting snow.

A storm sewer pipe runs beneath the road outside a row of homes. It collects stormwater and leads to the storm sewer system. Some homeowners have ditches or swales that collect stormwater.

About the stormwater system

The storm sewer is maintained by your local municipality. In Peel, these are the cities of Brampton, Mississauga and the town of Caledon.

If your home has a foundation drain collection system, that system is also maintained by your local municipality.

Your home, neighbourhood and neighborhood roads are designed to channel stormwater. Stormwater flows directly into stormwater management ponds, or into creeks and rivers, which flow into Lake Ontario.

Your neighbourhood is graded to direct stormwater towards the storm sewer. Roads are designed to withstand large amounts of water during large storms, but sometimes water can rise over the curb and on to your property.

For more information about stormwater management, access the Peel Region Stormwater Management Report.

Homeowners are responsible for stormwater on their properties

Stormwater on a home's property is the homeowners' responsibility.

You can help stormwater reach the sewer by:

• Removing debris like leaves and snow from storm sewer covers.
• Disconnecting any downspouts that are directly connected to the underground storm drainage pipes.
• Ensuring downspouts run away from your home and to your lawn or garden.
• Checking the grading of your property. (Stormwater should be flowing away from your home and toward the storm sewer.)

Be patient after large storms

If there's a lot of water on your property after large storm, be patient. The excess water will eventually make its way into the storm sewer.