Water Resources

Residents of the small seaside community of Victoria, P.E.I., had always relied on private holding tanks and septic systems to handle sewage but, by the 21st century, failing septic systems were discharging effluent not only into the soil, but also into the groundwater and into Victoria Harbour.

The Town of Olds' wastewater treatment plant was almost 30 years old and serving a population of 7,500 when trouble began - the facility was at capacity and posed an environmental hazard to receiving waters.

Learn how you can plan and implement water-saving projects with this toolkit developed by the POLIS Water Sustainability Project.

Tap into a collection of key publications from the Water Soft Path Project that address water management challenges and their soft path alternatives.

Explore a multi-barrier approach to drinking water protection that builds on the experiences of Canadian jurisdictions and offers a template that integrates Canadian Water Quality Guidelines, best management practices, research and monitoring.

Learn how to involve your community in conserving and protecting water resources.

Check out this information partnership portal on water issues and sustainability targeted to British Columbia communities.

Tap into this initiative to better understand the structure and dynamics of urban water use, and to help reorient Canadian water management from supply to demand-side approaches.

The City of Winnipeg Secondary Dyke Bylaw 7600/2000 designates secondary dyke corridors and regulates construction within those corridors to protect riverside properties. These flood protection infrastructures must be built between primary dykes and designated river and creek channels. 

Read how the City of Edmonton constructed a wetland as an innovative and cost-effective way to treat stormwater runoff from older, built-out communities in this award-winning project.

End-of-pipe treatment wetlands are a relatively new, innovative and cost-effective way to treat stormwater runoff from older, built-out communities that would otherwise discharge street runoff directly to rivers.

End-of-pipe treatment wetlands are a relatively new, innovative and cost-effective way to treat stormwater runoff from older, built-out communities that would otherwise discharge street runoff directly to rivers.

The Backflow Prevention Bylaw aims to prevent backflow from unprotected cross-connections in area plumbing systems. The bylaw targets high-hazard users such as industrial, commercial, multi-residential and institutional properties, and makes owners responsible for identifying all cross-connections in their buildings. 

The Surface Water Management Plan Bylaw No. 1606 regulates and requires the disposal of surface water and stormwater runoff. 

The Pesticide Use Reduction Bylaw No.1102 regulates the non-essential and cosmetic use of pesticides within the district to protect the health of residents and visitors.

The Well Aware program supports and encourages well stewardship among private well owners. Spearheaded by Green Communities Canada (GCC) and its non-profit member organizations, the program partners with municipal governments and groups in communities across Ontario.

Read how the award-winning Well Aware program supports and encourages well stewardship among private well owners in communities across Ontario.

(Available in original language) The City of Sorel-Tracy Bylaw 1951 requires specific buildings and offices to install water meters to measure water consumption. This bylaw aims to implement better water management and water conservation measures.

The City of Toronto Green Roof Bylaw requires all new developments over 2,000 square metres to include a green roof with coverage of available roof space ranging from 20 to 60 per cent. The bylaw applies to all new residential, commercial and institutional building permit applications made after January 31, 2010, and to all new industrial development applications after January 31, 2011.

(Available in original language) The Township of Orford Bylaw 839 aims to develop and regulate septic tank services. With the exception of residences or commercial buildings inaccessible by land, the bylaw stipulates that the township will check sludge and scum depth annually to determine cleaning frequency.

(Available in original language) Through Règlement 177, the City of Salaberry-de Valleyfield aims to prevent the risk posed by pesticides to human health, particularly to children, and to the environment. The bylaw limits the use of pesticides and identifies procedures, when their use is essential, that are respectful of human health and the environment. 

(Available in original language) The City of Québec Bylaw 67 bans the unnecessary use of drinking water for lawn-watering, washing parking lots or driveways, filling pools and ponds, and other activities. Bylaw infractions are subject to fines between $150 and $4,000.

The Winnipeg Wastewater Services Environmental Policy aims to provide excellent environmental services, prevent pollution, and protect public health by continually improving wastewater and land drainage practices. The policy applies to the municipal water and waste department, water pollution control centres, wastewater collection and land drainage systems.

(Available in original language) The Municipality of Saint-Adolphe d’Howard Bylaw 535-2 regulates access to and protection of shorelines, and nautical security on Saint-Joseph and Sainte-Marie lakes. This bylaw replaces Bylaw 535-2 (2006) and is linked to the watershed agreement between the municipality and the Rivière du Nord watershed agency (Abrinord). 

The District of Lantzville Subdivision and Development Bylaw 55.2 was amended in 2008 and incorporates low-impact development standards for roads and stormwater management, as well as alternatives for impervious surfaces. As part of the Regional District of Nanaimo, the District of Lantzville wants to ensure that future growth adheres to high regional environmental standards.

The Water Use Conservation Bylaw No. 39-08 restricts water use from June 15 to September 30 each year to conserve water in the hot, dry summer months. Violators are subject to a minimum penalty of $300.

The City of Kelowna Pesticide Use Regulation Bylaw 9920 restricts the use of pesticides for non-essential, cosmetic purposes in residential yards. The bylaw includes lawns and flowerbeds, but exempts vegetables and fruit trees.

FCM's response to parallel processes launched by Environment Canada and the CCME for the management of municipal wastewater effluent.

Explore the experience down under with profiles of 13 Australian communities and their approaches to sustainable water management.

The City of Kingston Bylaw 2008-11 applies monthly water and wastewater service rates for all water treated and distributed, and for all wastewater received, treated and disposed of by the city. Wastewater rates are calculated based on 100 per cent of the metered water supply to each property. 

Bylaw 2008-28 regulates the use of pesticides on lawns within the city of Kingston. This bylaw is now superseded by the Province of Ontario’s Pesticides Act, in force as of April 22, 2009, which regulates the use of cosmetic and chemical pesticides across the province.

The City of Edmonton Bylaw 14336 Sewers Bylaw Amendment 11 requires dental offices to install amalgam separators. These separators remove 95 per cent of the mercury contained in dental waste, preventing it from entering the sewer system. 

Find out how Canada's water quality guidelines compare with corresponding frameworks in the U.S., the European Union, and Australia, and with guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization.

City of Calgary staff presented Council with a clear path forward to meet the water supply challenge.

Find out how the City of Calgary developed a plan to ensure the sustainability of the city’s water supply while accommodating anticipated future growth.

The District Municipality of Maple Ridge Watercourse Protection Bylaw 6410-20069 aims to protect the district’s watercourses by controlling erosion from development projects and preventing the release of sediment into ravines, watercourses or storm sewers. Under the bylaw, an erosion and sediment control plan is required prior to project start-up and must include measures to control runoff discharged into the municipal drainage system or district watercourses. 

The City of Kingston’s Water Bylaw 2006-122 Part 7 imposes annual restrictions for external water use from June 15 to September 15. These restrictions apply to water use outside any building in all areas served by the city water distribution system. Residents may use outdoor water on either odd- or even-numbered calendar days according to the property address number, but can apply for an exemption permit under certain conditions.

This document focuses on the development of a full cost recovery plan for municipal water and sewage services

Strathcona County offers a $50 rebate to residents who replace their 13-litre per flush (or greater) toilets with a low-flush model. To be eligible for the rebate, new toilets must be approved by the Canadian Standards Association and have a flush volume of six litres or less. There is a one-rebate limit per household issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Presents insights on good design, construction,and inspection practices as well as proper operation and maintenance (O&M)

Outlines the best practice for setting a cross-connection control program

Describes ways to develop, implement and integrate quality management principles into municipal biosolids management programs

This document provides an overview of the rationale behind stormwater management principles and explains why implementing runoff controls is important for sustainable development

(Available in original language) The Town of Thetford Mines Sustainable Water Management Policy covers four main activities: management of drinking water consumption, continued cleanup and improvement of wastewater management, protection of water quality and water systems, and promotion of tourist and recreational aquatic activities. The policy includes proposed measures and an implementation plan for each activity.

Discover the Halifax Regional Water Commission's holistic approach to reducing water leakage through leak detection, metering, quick repairs and asset management.

This is equally useful for municipalities planning a biosolids management program as it is for those that already have a program in place

Some guiding principles that should be used in implementing stormwater management planning

This document outlines the best practice for monitoring water quality in the distribution system

Guidelines to help optimize the performance and capacity of lagoon-based wastewater treatment plants

A road map for water utilities planning and improvements related to the speed and quality of linear system repairs

A systematic and proactive approach for the assessment and evaluation of storm and wastewater collection systems

(Available in original language) The Town of Mount-Tremblant Bylaw (2004)-67 bans the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Pesticides are banned on town properties, with some exceptions identified in the bylaw. Fertilizer use is banned within 100 metres of the shoreline of a lake or waterway. Organic fertilizers are also banned within 15 metres of the shoreline. 

A framework for finding suitable solids inventory control to optimize wastewater treatment plant operation

Use this practical introduction to water soft path (WSP) implementation to explore the steps in WSP planning for municipalities.

(Available in original language) The Town of Mont-Tremblant Bylaw (2004)-63 governs the use of drinking water and the installation of water meters in the town of Mont-Tremblant. The bylaw places restrictions on lawn-watering, bans the washing of driveways with drinking water, and bans the use of drinking water to melt snow or ice. Watering is also prohibited during rainfall and all automatic watering systems must be shut off. All industrial and commercial buildings that use water to conduct business must install water meters. Appendix B of the bylaw provides a list of businesses, industries and activities subject to water meter installation.

A guide to establishing renewal planning that will maintain a high level of service while minimizing impacts on the environment and communities

Basic approaches to planning renewal of water distribution systems

A guide to improving performance of existing wastewater treatment plants

A framework for managing biosolids, advice on technologies and end uses

A primer on water metering, current equipment, and options for pricing water

(Available in original language) The Municipality of Montcalm Bylaw 204-2003 regulates the frequency of septic tank cleaning and the implementation of quality control standards. The bylaw aims to better protect the environment, and imposes a minimum fine of $300 for the first infraction.

Common water quality problems in distribution systems and how to address them

The City of Toronto Bylaw 456-2003 regulates pesticide use within the Greater Toronto Area to protect the health, well-being and safety of its residents. The Ontario Cosmetic Pesticides Ban (2009) now supersedes Bylaw 456-2003 except where the bylaw is stricter. 

The Town of Caledon Healthy Horticultural Landscapes Bylaw 2003-81 regulates pesticide use on horticultural landscapes. The Province of Ontario's Pesticide Act (2009) now regulates the use of cosmetic and chemical pesticides across the province.

A primer on inspecting distribution and transmission mains

The basics of water auditing - a tool for reducing costs and improving accountability

Current options for pipe repair or replacement and how to make the best choice for local conditions

Current options for pipe repair or replacement and how to make the best choice for local conditions

An overview of methods to reduce infiltration and inflow in sewer systems

A new approach to stormwater management

A primer on controlling pollutants at source

The Storm Sewer Discharge Bylaw 86-2002 prohibits, regulates and inspects the discharge of any gaseous, liquid or solid matter into land drainage works, private branch sewers and connections to any sewer, sewer system or sewage works for domestic or industrial use. 

Bylaw 16-02, an amendment to Waterworks Utility Bylaw 22-90, requires the installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures in all new residential, commercial, industrial or institutional construction and renovations.

The City of Kingston Bylaw 2000-263 controls waste discharges to municipal sewers and is the consolidated sewer use bylaw for sanitary, combined and storm sewers. The bylaw contains the municipal service and surcharges rates, and Schedule D lists sewer use offences and fines.

The Halifax Regional Municipality Bylaw P-800 regulates the use of pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. The bylaw was implemented over a four-year period, starting with a ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides on municipal property and the launch of public awareness programs in the first year, and culminating in a general ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides on all properties in the fourth year.