Downspout Disconnection Information Session

Please join me at a Ward 30 Downspout Disconnection Information Session with Toronto Water.

Date:        Saturday October 15
Time:       1:00pm – 3:00pm
Location:    Home Depot, Gerrard Square

Rainwater runs off your roof and flows through your eavestroughs into a downspout that carries it directly into the sewer system. During heavy

rainfall, the sewers become overloaded, increasing the risk of basement flooding and releasing polluted water into our local waterways.

To help solve the problem, the City will soon require all property owners to disconnect their downspouts. All property owners in Ward 30 who receive a notice are required to disconnect their downspouts by November 20 of this year. By taking action to comply with the bylaw you are taking steps to protect people's homes and help improve water quality.

In cases where it's not technically feasible to disconnect your downspout you can apply to the City for an exemption. The City may also provide financial assistance to low-income property owners.

If you cannot attend Councillor Fletcher's Downspout Disconnection Meeting but want more information, please call my office at 416-392-4060 or email me at [email protected]. You can also call 311 or visit www.toronto.ca/water.

Top Tips from Toronto Water – Fall 2011

With summer over, thoughts start turning to the beautiful colours of autumn… and raking leaves. While you're at it, consider adding a few other items to your "to-do" list. The following tips will help you save water, money and the environment. They will also help you protect your home from possible basement flooding.

Pools

When emptying your pool, water from chlorinated pools must be dechlorinated before disposing of it into the storm sewer system. Water from salt water pools must be carefully released into a sanitary system connection located on your property.
Lawns
Over-seed your lawn with ryes and fescues to thicken-up your grass for next spring – this will help reduce the amount of water your lawn needs next year.

Basement Flooding

Help prevent basement flooding by clearing eavestroughs and downspouts of leaves and other debris. Be sure to seal window wells and fix leaks in basement walls. More advice on preventing basement flooding can be found at toronto.ca/water/sewers/basement_flooding.htm
Disconnecting downspouts from the sewer system will also help prevent basement flooding and the release of polluted rainwater into local waterways. More information on mandatory downspout disconnection, city-wide, can be found at toronto.ca/water/downspout
Consider installing a backwater valve and a basement sump pump if you have experienced basement flooding. Be sure to maintain your equipment once it’s installed.

Save water and money

Toilet leaks can waste a lot of water and are a common cause of unexpectedly high water bills. Some leaks cannot be seen or heard. Check for a toilet leak with a few drops of food colouring in the toilet tank; if water in the bowl changes colour, you've got a leak that needs fixing.
Back to school means more laundry! Use a high-efficiency front loading clothes washing machine, and run only full loads.
Run the dishwasher only when it’s full and don't pour grease and oil down the drain. Where possible, kitchen grease should go in the green bin with other material that can absorb it.

For more information on the City of Toronto's programs and services from Toronto Water, visit toronto.ca/water.

Downspout Disconnection Information Session

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