Sewer Use By-law update

We're updatng the Sewer Use By-law

The aim is to modernize the bylaw to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the Guelph community and aligns with industry best practices. The existing bylaw was adopted in 1996 and hasn't been amended since 2006. Since then, standards have changed and various proposed updates to the bylaw will help the City operate the sewer systems more effectively.

The bylaw helps make sure harmful pollutants (chemicals, oils, fats and grease, etc.) are managed properly to increase the life cycles of the wastewater and stormwater systems, reduce the cost of maintenance and help protect the Speed River and our environment.

This update will ensure the bylaw:

• aligns with the latest industry standards and best management practices
• complies with current federal and provincial regulations
• is more user-friendly and organized in a way that is easy for both residents and City staff to utilize it

Some of the key areas of focus are:

• requirements for:
  • food-related grease interceptors
  • vehicle and equipment service oil and grease interceptors
  • sediment interceptors
  • dental waste amalgam separator
• sanitary and storm discharges
• update of overstrength agreement formula
• updated contaminant lists/schedules
• swimming pools and hot tubs

We expect to bring the updated by-law with the accompanying report to Council in October 2021.

We want to hear from you!

Your input is a valuable part of the by-law update process. If you live or own/manage a business in Guelph, how we regulate the City’s sewer system impacts you. It also impacts the Speed River and our environment.

Here's how you can have your say:

• Visit our virtual open house and learn about the by-law update and Guelph's sewer systems.
• Ask us your questions and share your ideas using the Q&A option on this page.
• Respond to our quick poll to tell us more about yourself.

Options to have your say will close on March 10.

You can also find more information about Guelph's sewer system along with actions you can take to help prevent issues in the sewer system and protect our environment on the right-hand menu of this page.

Please stay tuned to this page for further project information and updates or visit the project page.