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Wastewater & Stormwater... Where should the flows go?
As a result of occupying land, property owners generate wastewater and stormwater. These liquids need to be discharged to the proper place. In some areas of HRM, during heavy rains, stormwater finds its way into the wastewater system via leaky pipes, sump pumps, drains and downspout connections, among others. This situation is not sustainable and has to change. Below are some definitions and guidelines to help you determine how to properly dispose of wastewater and stormwater.
Wastewater: Flow from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines, etc.
Wastewater Connection: Underground pipe that takes wastewater from a building to the public system generally located in the street.
Wastewater Sewer: Pipe carrying wastewater to pumping stations and wastewater treatment facilities.
Stormwater: Rain, surface water and groundwater. It also includes water from the melting of snow and ice.
Stormwater Connection: Underground pipe that takes stormwater from a building to the public system generally located in the street.
Stormwater Sewer: Pipe carrying stormwater to a ditch, stream, lake or the harbour. Other means of carrying stormwater include swales, streets, etc.
Stormwater Inflow: Stormwater which enters the wastewater connection via improperly connected sump pumps, downspouts, foundation drains or other sources.
| Stormwater Inflow is illegal in HRM |
Wastewater collection systems within HRM are generally one of two types:
Separated wastewater systems: Systems designed to carry wastewater only. These types of systems are found in all parts of HRM. However, peninsula Halifax and older parts of Dartmouth are mainly serviced by combined systems (see below definition). All properties in an area serviced by separated wastewater systems have wastewater connections. However, depending on where your property is located and when it was developed, it may or may not have a stormwater connection. Most areas with separated wastewater systems constructed since the mid 1980s likely have a stormwater connection.
Combined systems: Systems designed to accept both wastewater and stormwater. Combined systems have not been constructed in HRM for many years. These types of systems are generally found in older areas including peninsula Halifax and older parts of Dartmouth.
The Stormwater Inflow Reduction Program only applies to properties serviced by separated wastewater systems. Notwithstanding, there would be benefits if property owners serviced by combined systems would choose to disconnect sources of stormwater from these systems.
In HRM, both separated wastewater systems and combined systems convey flows to wastewater facilities for treatment.
What is Stormwater Inflow and why is it a problem in HRM?
Stormwater Inflow is one component of Infiltration/Inflow. "Infiltration/Inflow" are the technical terms used to describe stormwater that enters the wastewater system. Infiltration/Inflow is often referred to as I/I.
Infiltration entering the wastewater system
Infiltration - groundwater that enters the wastewater system through cracks and/or leaks in the wastewater pipes. Cracks or leaks in wastewater pipes or manholes may be caused by age-related deterioration, tree roots, loose joints, poor design, installation or damage.
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| Illegal sump pump connection to the wastewater system |
Inflow - rain or surface water that enters the wastewater system through a direct connection. Various sources contribute to the inflow including improperly connected:
This is water that should be entering the stormwater system or allowed to soak into the ground without entering the wastewater system.
Infiltration/Inflow is the most serious operational problem with Halifax Water's wastewater system. During rainfall, snowmelt and high groundwater conditions, excess flow inundates the wastewater system. These flows continually put components of the Halifax Water's wastewater system out of compliance, cause overflows into the environment and backups into people's properties, exposing the public to possible health risks.
Any stormwater mixed with wastewater ends up being unnecessarily collected, pumped and treated at the same rate it costs to treat wastewater. This leads to unnecessary wear and tear on systems, additional treatment costs and added costs to rate payers.
| Infiltration/Inflow is a serious problem in HRM |
During heavy rains, the high volumes of stormwater entering Halifax Water's wastewater collection systems, cause overflows of untreated wastewater at approximately 100 different fresh and marine water environments posing public and environmental health risks.
The occurrences of overflows at these locations depend on the intensity and duration of rainfall events. For instance, a rainfall event of only 25 mm can trigger overflows in some areas.
| Overflows of untreated wastewater pose risks to human health and the environment |
Why should we be concerned?
Keeping stormwater out of the wastewater system is critical for the protection of your property, your neighbors’ properties, our health, our environment as well as the health and environment of future generations.
Why? Wastewater systems were designed to carry wastewater only.
Once Infiltration/Inflow enters the wastewater system, it must be collected and treated in the same manner as wastewater. When too much stormwater enters the wastewater system, the following problems may occur:
1. Wastewater may back up into basements or onto property creating potential health concerns, damage to property and the need for an expensive cleanup.
2. Wastewater may overflow from manholes or pumping stations and contaminate our rivers, lakes and harbour, resulting in negative impacts on the environment, risks of public exposure and violations of federal and provincial regulations.
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| Wastewater overflowing into the environment, as a result of stormwater entering the wastewater system |
3. Wastewater systems may require upgrades sooner than planned resulting in increased utility bills to customers.
4. Excessive Infiltration/Inflow at wastewater treatment facilities cause washouts of microorganisms, leading to inadequate treatment, decreased efficiency, operational difficulties, increased operating costs and/or regulatory compliance issues.
5. Excessive Infiltration/Inflow takes up pipe capacity leading to restrictions for future growth.
The risk of being exposed to untreated wastewater is not acceptable to the public, regulatory agencies or Halifax Water.
Infiltration/Inflow add to costs of operating wastewater systems and treatment facilities. These costs will eventually be passed on to Halifax Water’s customers in the form of higher rates.
The cost to make our system larger to accommodate the current flows during rainfall events is not affordable for our customers. The most sustainable way to deal with this problem is to control stormwater at the source. Property owners must be part of the solution.
What is Halifax Water doing to reduce Infiltration/Inflow?
Halifax Water has a comprehensive Infiltration/Inflow program. Infiltration/Inflow investigations have been completed for a number of areas that are serviced by separated wastewater collection systems and wastewater treatment facilities. Problem areas are identified through field investigations and historical flow records for pumping stations and treatment facilities.
Recommendations from these investigations are implemented on a priority basis. The intent is to reduce Infiltration/Inflow at the source; therefore, rehabilitation or repair is required on public and private properties.
How is Infiltration/Inflow detected at the source?
Halifax Water uses various investigation techniques to detect sources of Infiltration/Inflow:
Flow monitoring and rain gauges – flow rates are monitored at various locations within the wastewater collection system. The flow data is analyzed and compared to rainfall data. Flow rates that increase significantly during rainfall indicate the area has an Infiltration/Inflow problem.
Smoke Testing – a non-toxic, non-staining “smoke” is injected, under pressure, into a wastewater manhole. Smoke escaping the ground in locations other than the wastewater system indicates a source of Infiltration/Inflow. For instance, smoke coming out of a roof downspout during smoke testing would indicate the downspout is connected to the wastewater system and that stormwater is entering the wastewater system. This source of inflow can usually be addressed very easily.
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| Smoke testing equipment |
Downspout connection to the wastewater system - confirmed by smoke testing |
Smoke emerging from wastewater system |
Property owners will receive written notice a minimum of 3 days prior to any smoke testing conducted in their neighborhood. Please click here to view a sample notice.
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Dye testing |
Dye Testing - non-toxic dye is added to a suspected upstream stormwater source. The downstream wastewater system is then monitored for trace of the dye. Traces of dye would confirm a source of Infiltration/Inflow.
Closed Circuit Television Inspections (CCTV) - a video camera is sent through the wastewater connection to record the condition of the pipe.
The video footage is analyzed for cracks, root intrusions, leaks or stormwater connections.
Inspections - Inspectors visually inspect and assess the condition of the wastewater system and residential properties for sources of Infiltration/Inflow.
How are problems fixed once they have been identified?
Recommendations from investigations and studies may include rehabilitation or repair work on public and private properties. The intent is to address Infiltration/Inflow at the source. Reducing Infiltration/Inflow requires a joint effort between Halifax Water and property owners. Halifax Water is responsible for the wastewater systems and the portion of the wastewater connection located on public property, typically to the property line. The property owner is responsible for the portion of the wastewater connection located from the building to the property line. Any maintenance, repairs, etc., required on this portion of the connection, is the responsibility of the property owner.
Halifax Water owned systems
Halifax Water invests several million dollars per year to upgrade its wastewater and stormwater infrastructure on a prioritized basis. These upgrades improve the overall sustainability of the assets and assists in reducing wastewater overflows.
The following are examples of remedial measures that are being implemented over time by Halifax Water in-part based on investigations and studies:
• Rehabilitating or replacing aged or damaged pipes
• Installing deep storm systems
• Improvements at pumping stations
• Improvements at wastewater treatment facilities
• Repairing leaking manholes and pipes
• Changing manhole covers
Waterproofing membranes are routinely specified for manhole construction to prevent infiltration from entering the wastewater system. Relining solutions are also available that involve having a liner inserted into the wastewater sewer pipe to prevent infiltration from entering the wastewater system.
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| Waterproofing membrane being installed to prevent infiltration from entering the wastewater system |
Lining being inserted to the wastewater system pipe to prevent infiltration from entering the wastewater system |
Halifax Water currently maintains approximately 1000 km of wastewater sewers, 700 km of stormwater sewers, 300 km of combined sewers, 70 km of forcemains and pressure sewers and 180 wastewater pumping stations. Based on age, historical construction practices, maintenance, number of connections as well as other factors, there is significant opportunity for Infiltration/Inflow to enter the wastewater system.
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| Stormwater and wastewater pipes being installed |
Many cities in North America experience these problems and are implementing corrective measures to reduce Infiltration/Inflow at the source. Capital Regional District, British Columbia, presents videos that illustrates defects contributing to Infiltration/Inflow and steps needed to fix them.
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Please click here to access the video for public property. These videos are not exhaustive. |
Privately owned systems
Property owners are responsible to maintain the wastewater connection from the property line to their home or building. This underground pipe takes wastewater (flows from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines, etc.) from the building to the system in the street. A wastewater connection is not intended to carry stormwater (rain, surface water or groundwater). Therefore, property owners are asked to ensure that their property is not contributing to Infiltration/Inflow. Redirecting stormwater away from the wastewater system and onto your lawn and other pervious (surfaces that absorb water) areas is good for your lawn and gardens, provides for groundwater recharging and assists in maintaining surface water levels in our rivers and lakes.
Changes may be required on private properties to comply with Halifax Water’s regulations. Discharging stormwater into separated wastewater systems is illegal in HRM.
| Not complying with the Regulations may result in suspension of service and/or other penalties |
Please click here to review the relevant excerpts of Halifax Water's Rules and Regulations for Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Services.
Halifax Water has designed the Stormwater Inflow Reduction (SIR) Program to assist our customers in ensuring compliance with the regulations.
Stormwater Inflow Reduction (SIR) Program
Excessive Infiltration/Inflow creates wastewater backups into homes and overflows into streets, nearby streams, lakes and the harbour. Halifax Water is working to reduce the frequency and magnitude of these events to protect our customers and our environment. Halifax Water continually maintains and upgrades the public systems. However, private systems also need to be addressed.
To this end, Halifax Water has designed the Stormwater Inflow Reduction (SIR) Program to assist our customers in identifying measures that can be taken on their properties. The goals of the SIR Program are to:
1. Raise awareness to reduce overflows and protect the health of HRM residents and our environment.
2. Inspect private properties (indoor and outdoor) for potential sources of Stormwater Inflow.
3. Require customers to disconnect sources of Stormwater Inflow.
The Stormwater Inflow Reduction Program is
designed to address the most serious operational
problem with Halifax Water's wastewater system |
When will my property be inspected?
The program will address areas on a priority basis starting in areas with known severe Infiltration/Inflow problems or where significant capital projects are planned (paving, watermain replacement, etc.). The program will include home and business inspections to identify the sources of stormwater entering the wastewater system.
Each property owner, in the areas being investigated, will receive a letter asking them to book an appointment. Our inspectors will enter the property to identify any stormwater sources entering the wastewater system. Appointments must be booked by the date indicated in the letter between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday by calling 490-RAIN (7246).
This first inspection is done free of charge by Halifax Water employees. Failure to comply with booking an inspection can result in the suspension of service or other penalties, as indicated in our Rules and Regulations. Please click here to review the relevant excerpts of Halifax Water's Rules and Regulations for Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Services.
This is a mandatory inspection program. Please call 490-RAIN (490-7246) to schedule an appointment for an inspection
(only after receiving a letter). |
Most inspections will last less than 30 minutes. During the inspection, an adult 18 years or older must be present at all times.
What do I need to do prior to the inspection?
Prior to the inspection property owners will need to do minor preparations:
1) Locate the wastewater connection cleanout. The cleanout is generally a four (4) inch (100mm) diameter pipe found in the basement where the wastewater exits the house. The photos below show typical cleanout configurations:
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| Examples of wastewater connection cleanouts. Each home has a cleanout, usually found on the lower-level of a home. Sometimes, in finished basements, the cleanout is located behind a wall or under the floor, as illustrated in the last picture. |
2) If the letter indicates that Halifax Water needs to video-inspect your wastewater connection, access to your wastewater connection cleanout (or an acceptable access point) will be required. Prior to the inspection, you will have to:
3) If you have a sump pump, you must ensure it is accessible for inspection. The inspector will also need to see where the pipe leading from the sump pump goes and what it is connected to.
What happens during the inspection?
There is both an indoor and outdoor component to the inspection. Inspectors will arrive at the property dressed in Halifax Water uniforms and will carry photo ID. A typical inspection will begin inside the building/home in the basement. The inspectors will look at the wastewater connection cleanout and other wastewater plumbing fixtures. Inspectors will also look for sump pumps and where they discharge. The property owners will be asked if they have had or are having water issues.
If required, the inspector will remove the hand-tight cap attached to the cleanout to access the wastewater connection. The inspector will send a small camera through the wastewater connection pipe looking for foundation drain connections, tree root intrusion, broken pipes or other defects contributing Infiltration/Inflow to the wastewater system.
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Video camera used to record the condition of wastewater connections |
The inspector has a video screen which allows him/her to see inside the pipes as the inspection is underway. The video is also recorded.
Outside, inspectors will inspect downspouts, window wells, stair well drains, driveway drains and yard drainage. Inspection of these items may involve the use of the camera as well as dyed water to assist with drainage identification. Previous smoke testing results should assist with identification of these items and minimize inspection time.
What happens after the inspection?
All property owners will receive a follow-up letter indicating any problems that may have been discovered. If sources of Infiltration/Inflow are found, property owners will be notified in writing of actions to be taken within a specified timeframe to bring the property into compliance.
Halifax Water may conduct random re-inspections to confirm compliance.
What happens if I fail to make an appointment?
Failure to contact Halifax Water by the date indicated in the letter may result in the suspension of service to your home or building and/or other penalties. Please click here to review the relevant excerpts of Halifax Water's Rules and Regulations for Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Services.
What happens if I do not correct the violations within the specified time frame?
Failure to correct the violations within the specified timeframe may result in the suspension of service to your home or building and/or other penalties. Please click here to review the relevant excerpts of Halifax Water's Rules and Regulations for Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Services.
What are common sources of Stormwater Inflow and how can property owners correct them?
Please click here for a larger view
Above is a diagram outlining the many potential sources of Stormwater Inflow from a typical home and property that could be draining to the wastewater system. Wastewater systems are designed to take wastewater flows from homes and businesses. They are not intended to convey flows from the following sources:
• Sump pumps either directly connected to the property’s
wastewater system or draining through a sink
• Roof downspouts
• Foundation drains
• Stairwell/window well drains
• Uncapped wastewater cleanout
• French or area drains
• Private/public catchbasins
• Broken wastewater pipes (allowing ground water to infiltrate)
Confirm that your property does not have any of these stormwater sources connected to separated wastewater systems.
| Stormwater Inflow is illegal in HRM |
Please click here to review the relevant excerpts of Halifax Water's Rules and Regulations for Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Services.
Ideally, stormwater should be discharged onto your property. Where feasible, roof drains, sump pumps and foundation drains should be directed to the yard or a ditch. Your ability to do this will depend on slope, soil types and proximity of discharge point to other properties. Ensure this practice does not cause drainage issues on your property or neighboring properties. You must also ensure that this will not cause icing concerns on private and public properties during the winter months. You may have to contact a qualified contractor to assist you in this process.
Many cities in North America experience these problems and are implementing corrective measures to reduce Infiltration/Inflow at the source. Capital Regional District, British Columbia, presents videos that illustrates defects contributing to Infiltration/Inflow and steps needed to fix them.
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Please click here to access the video for private property. These videos are not exhaustive. For example, sump pumps connected to separated wastewater systems are major contributors of inflow in HRM and they are not illustrated in these videos. |
What can property owners do to correct sources of Stormwater Inflow?
Keeping your property well drained is critical to protecting your home from structural damage, flooding and adverse effects from moisture buildup. However, property owners also need to conform to the Halifax Water Rules and Regulations which do not allow stormwater to be discharged into separated wastewater systems. The following suggestions are general in nature and will not work for all properties. Properties with difficult grades, problematic soil or rock, proximity to neighboring properties or other difficult site conditions may require you to consult a qualified contractor.
Possible measures on private properties include:
Downspout Disconnection
Ensure downspouts are not directed below ground and connected to the wastewater system. Allow discharge to flow onto lawns or gardens. This should only be done after consideration is given to understanding where the water will go. Downspouts should be extended away from foundation walls (including your neighbor’s) to reduce the risk of basement moisture problems. As well, for the winter months, consideration for ice build-up must be taken into account. Install a splash pad to prevent erosion. For more information about downspout disconnection, please click here.
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Examples of downspouts discharging stormwater
onto a property owner's lawn
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During the non-winter months, downspout water may also be collected in rain barrels. This water may be used for watering plants as well as other landscaping purposes. Property owners should operate the rain barrels as recommended by the manufacturers. For instance, rain barrels should be emptied after a rainstorm and a screen should be secured at the top of the barrel to keep insects, debris and small animals out.
In Halifax, annual rainfall is about 1200 mm (excluding snowfall). A property owner who would disconnect their downspouts from a home with an average roof area of 120 m2 would divert 144 000 litres of stormwater from the wastewater system every year.
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Downspouts discharging into a rain barrel. This is a sustainable way to use stormwater for other uses around your property |
If elevated, ensure the platform is adequate to support the barrel full of water and is secured to prevent tipping. For more information about rain barrels, please click here.
Sump pump disconnection
Many homes that have sump pumps connected to the wastewater system (through a sink or direct connection to the wastewater plumbing) could disconnect them and discharge this clean water onto lawns and gardens. As with downspouts, consideration should be given to ensure there is adequate surface area on the lawn to permit this discharge without creating drainage related problems, including ice-build up, for your property, your neighbor’s property or on the street.
For more information about sump pump disconnection, please click here.
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An illegal sump pump connection to
the wastewater system
shall be disconnected |
Disconnecting a sump pump could result in 180 000 litres of stormwater diverted from the wastewater system every year. Assuming a 1/3 hp pump (with a capacity of 2700 US gallons per hour or 2.8 liters per second), pumping 6 minutes/hour, 4 hours a day, 45 days a year.
Uncapped cleanout pipes
All cleanout pipes that are uncapped, have a loose cover, or are below the ground surface can allow a large amount of stormwater to enter the wastewater system. A sealed cover is easy to install by the homeowner and will greatly reduce Stormwater Inflow.
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Smoke confirming an
uncapped cleanout |
Installation or replacement of foundation drains
Current construction codes require a perforated drain to be installed around the outside perimeter of the foundation at the level of the footing. The drain usually consists of a 100 mm (4 inch) diameter flexible pipe that is surrounded by gravel.
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| Installation of a foundation drain |
Depending on how well foundation drains are installed and other factors such as local soil and groundwater conditions, these drains may become plugged with fine sediment in as little as 20-30 years after the home is constructed. When this happens, the foundation does not drain properly and water may build up around the outside of the foundation wall and seep into the basement through small cracks or joints. Rather than replacing the foundation drain which would require a costly excavation around the outside perimeter of the home, homeowners and contractors often resolve this problem by installing a sump pump. If a sump pump is installed, it is very important that the discharge line is not connected to the wastewater connection pipe.
Homeowners or contractors are not permitted to connect sump pumps to separated wastewater systems. Sump pump discharge lines should either be discharged to a stormwater connection, a ditch, or to the surface of the ground.
Keep in mind that if not provided with an alternative power supply, a sump pump will not function during power outages, which usually coincide with heavy storms. Sump pumps also require periodic inspection and maintenance.
Maintain your wastewater connection
Avoid planting trees or shrubs over the wastewater connection. Roots may eventually penetrate the connection and result in leaks and wastewater backups.
Replace broken or leaky sections of the wastewater connection that are on your property.
How to select a qualified contractor?
As a property owner, you are responsible for the wastewater connection from inside the building all the way to the property line. This includes all maintenance and replacement, if required.
In some cases you may need to hire a contractor to correct some violations.
Here are some helpful tips on how to select a contractor:
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Search in the yellow pages or on the internet (Better Business Bureau, etc) for names and phone numbers of local contractors.
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Make sure the contractors are experienced, bonded (insured) and licensed to do the work required.
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The contractors should be familiar with Halifax Water’s Stormwater Inflow Reduction Program.
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Get at least three estimates. You could give each contractor a copy of the violation notice you have received so they have the information about your property.
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Get a detailed description of the work, timeframe (start and finish dates) and the cost estimate in writing. Usually, contractors provide estimates at no charge.
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Ask if there are specific issues with your site that could cause additional costs.
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Ask for references for similar projects the contractor has done recently, including names and phone numbers.
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Call some customers to find out if they were satisfied with the contractor’s work.
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Talk to your neighbors, friends, and co-workers who might have experience with local contractors.
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Service Nova Scotia also provides some advice on how to select a contractor. For details please click here.
Are you thinking of buying a property?
It is suggested to have the wastewater connection, to a house or building, inspected before purchasing a property. A plumbing contractor could video your connection to ensure it is in good condition and it does not contribute Stormwater Inflow.
Additional information – Stormwater management
Discharging stormwater onto the ground is one of many Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs are techniques used to reduce the pollutant content of stormwater discharge. Many cities have developed inventories of BMPs.
Please click here to review HRM Stormwater Management Guidelines.
Legislation and Regulations
Halifax Regional Water Commission Act
Halifax Regional Municipality Charter
Item 348:
No person shall:
(a) permit stormwater, surface water, ground water, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, cooling water or industrial process waters to be discharged into a sanitary sewer;
(b) connect a sump pump to a sanitary sewer.
For further information, the complete legislation can be viewed by clicking on the following link: Halifax Regional Municipality Charter
Halifax Water Rules and Regulations
Following are excerpts of the Halifax Water’s Rules and Regulations for Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Services as approved by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board:
Item 16:
Representatives of the Commission shall have the right of access to all parts of a customer’s property or premises at all reasonable hours for the purpose of suspension or disconnection of water service, inspecting any water pipes, fittings, appliances, or for the purpose of installing, removing, repairing, reading, testing or inspecting meters or outside reading devices or for the purpose of inspecting any wastewater or stormwater pipes, fittings, appliances, or for the purpose of installing, removing, repairing, testing or inspecting the stormwater and/or wastewater service connection. The Commission shall have the right to use all legal means including suspension of service to any customer who refuses such access or does not respond to requests by the Commission for such access.
Item 21 b):
No owner, customer or other person hereinafter collectively referred to in this rule and regulation as "person" shall, without the express written consent of the Commission:
i) connect, cause to be connected, or allow to remain connected to the wastewater facilities or plumbing installation, any piping, fixtures, fittings or appliances in a manner which, under the circumstances, may allow stormwater, surface water, ground water, roof runoff, subsurface drainage to ingress or flow into the wastewater facilities;
ii) connect a sump pump to wastewater facilities; or
iii) discharge wastewater anywhere except into wastewater facilities, private on-site sewage system or private central sewage collection and treatment system.
This section does not apply to existing premises currently connected to the combined sewer system or new premises intended to be connected to the combined sewer system, notwithstanding that the Commission may require a property to be connected to a stormwater system if available.
Item 21 c):
Where in the opinion of the Commission, there may be a risk of stormwater, surface water, ground water, roof runoff, subsurface drainage flowing into the wastewater facilities, the Commission may require the customer, at the customer’s sole cost and expense, to install or remove, at any point on the customer’s wastewater service connection, one or more fittings or appurtenances to prevent such connection.
Item 21 d):
Where, in the opinion of the Commission, there may be a risk of stormwater, surface water, ground water, roof runoff, subsurface drainage flowing into the wastewater service connection, the Commission may require the customer, at the customer's sole cost and expense, to repair, reconstruct or replace their building service connection.
Item 21 e):
In the event of any breach, contravention or non-compliance by a person of any of the provisions and regulations in this Section, the Commission may:
i) suspend water service to such person, or
ii) give notice to the person to correct the breach, contravention or non-compliance within 96 hours, or other specified period. If the person fails to comply with such notice, the Commission may immediately thereafter suspend wastewater and/or water service to such person.
Please click here to review the complete regulations of Halifax Water's Rules and Regulations for water, Wastewater and stormwater Services.
Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) - Canada-wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent
CCME is a council made up of 14 environment ministers from the federal, provincial and territorial governments. A main priority of CCME is to focus on national environmental issues and to assist its members to meet the mandate of protecting Canada’s environment. The Canada-wide Strategy for the management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent was endorsed by CCME on February 17, 2009. The relevant document can be viewed by clicking on the following link: Canada-wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent.
This strategy seeks to ensure that there is regulatory clarity in managing municipal wastewater effluent under a harmonized framework that protects human health and the environment. National performance standards are outlined and the development and management of site-specific effluent discharge objectives is addressed. CCME has allotted a maximum 30 year implementation period for these standards and objectives.
Some wastewater systems in HRM will require upgrading. Halifax Water is implementing measures with the intent of achieving the CCME objective within the allotted 30 year period. The implementation of the Stormwater Inflow Reduction Program is critical to reduce Infiltration/Inflow, minimize wastewater overflows and meet CCME's strategy.
These regulations will have significant financial and operational implications for owners of all municipal wastewater systems across Canada.
For more information, please click here to visit the CCME website.
Where can property owners get more information?
The following links are provided for general information purposes only:
Avoiding Basement Flooding - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Keeping Dry: How to Prevent or Minimize Water Damage to Your Property -
Insurance Bureau of Canada
Contact us
Please call (902) 490-RAIN (7246). Please note that this will bring you to a voicemail where you must leave your name, daytime phone number and civic address. A Halifax Water employee will return your call to book a time for your inspection or answer your questions.
Alternatively, you may e-mail us at rain[at]halifaxwater.ca.
Halifax Water's Mission:
"To provide world class services for our customers and our environment" |
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