Stormwater is rain and melted snow and ice. Stormwater runoff from your roof, driveway and other hard surfaces flows away from your house, towards the street and into the municipal storm sewer system.

Runoff

As it flows along the ground, storm runoff picks up harmful substances such as road salt, heavy metals and oils. In an urban setting, runoff should flow into the storm sewer or soak slowly into the ground without entering the sanitary sewer. If excess storm water does enter the sanitary sewer system, it can overload the system.

Surcharge level

When the sanitary sewer becomes overloaded, it creates "surcharge". This happens when the water level in the system rises above normal levels. Basements can flood if a home has sanitary fixtures or floor drains below the surcharge level.

Floodproof your home

Protect your investments by using approved methods that improve your household’s drainage.

First, download the PDF Household Drainage Improvement Manual - you'll find lots of useful information here.

Second, if you are undertaking improvements to your home, check out the rebates below:

Storm sewer connection
Installation of a new storm sewer connection, where foundation drainage is being redirected from the sanitary sewer, is eligible for a rebate. View our new storm sewer connection rebate available through the City's Residential Drainage Assistance Program, administered by EcoSuperior.

Sump pumps
Groundwater around the home collected by the weeping tile should go to the sump pit. A sump pump can drive the water away from the house. View our sump pump rebate available through the City's Residential Drainage Assistance Program, administered by EcoSuperior.

Sewer back-up prevention
Sewer back-up preventers are devices that allow the flow of sanitary sewage in one direction only – away from your home. View our back up prevention rebate available through the City's Residential Drainage Assistance Program, administered by EcoSuperior.

Weeping tile
Weeping tile is an essential component of household drainage systems. It collects water from the backfill around a house. Current building standards prohibit the connection of weeping tile to the municipal sanitary sewer. Instead, weeping tile should drain to a sump pit and drywell system. View our weeping title rebate available through the City's Residential Drainage Assistance Program, administered by EcoSuperior.

Did you know? Discounts and rebates!

To help you deal wisely with stormwater, the City of Thunder Bay offers a residential drainage rebate via EcoSuperior. See our Discounts and Rebates webpage.

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