In urban areas, rainfall and melted snow travel quickly over roofs, driveways and roads. Water runs off these surfaces, collects pollutants such as dirt, oil, fertilizer, grass clippings, pet waste, litter, etc. and carries them to our rivers and waterways. Learn about how you can protect the water source in the Town of Orangeville.

After storms, heavy rains or snow melts, water levels can rise and cause flooding. As a result, it is important to keep our stormwater system clear and in working order.

Help keep storm drains clear

Keeping storm drains and catch basins clear of leaves, dirt, litter and ice helps reduce the risk of our roads flooding during heavy rain and storms.

Storm drains and catch basins let rain and melted snow flow into our storm sewer system which drains into the nearest stormwater pond, creek, river or lake.

Stormwater runoff is not treated before flowing into local waterways – only rain should go down the storm drain.

Do not disrupt stormwater ponds

Stormwater management ponds may look like natural areas, but they're actually an important part of the Town's infrastructure. Stormwater management ponds collect melted snow or water runoff from storm sewers, and slowly release it into our waterways.

Please don't add or remove plants near stormwater ponds. Plants and long grass help ponds function properly. We remove debris and invasive plants regularly, without using pesticides. We also maintain gates, locks, valves, etc. and perform repairs and maintenance when necessary.

Stormwater pond FAQs 

How you can help

  • Avoid using herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers.
  • Plant a rain or stone garden.
  • Use a rain barrel to water your lawn and gardens.
  • A permeable driveway such as gravel, block paving, etc., can help precipitation to slowly percolate into the ground and reduce runoff.
  • Use appropriate amounts of salt and sand in the winter.
  • Properly dispose of hazardous household waste. 

Project Contractor

Matrix Solutions Inc. has been hired by the Town of Orangeville to undertake an assessment of all storm ponds owned and operated by the Town. It is essential to assess the conditions of each storm pond on its function and performance to prioritize capital investments for operational and maintenance work. Field work will occur in the Spring 2024. The field work includes environmental sampling, survey work, and inspections of each storm pond. The project is expected to be completed by September 2024.

If you have any questions or concerns related to this project, please contact info@orangeville.ca.

Resources

Review the following resources to learn more about how you can protect our stormwater system: