Did you know that rain falling on your property can cause pollution? Many people believe the rainwater flowing off our properties, including roofs, driveways and roads, is treated before it reaches the ocean. Often, this is not true.
When rainwater travels over impermeable (waterproof) surfaces like our driveways, roads, roofs and parking lots, it picks up chemicals, metals, dirt and oils before entering waterways and shorelines via our stormwater system. As our communities develop, the number of impervious surfaces increases, resulting in more surface runoff, which is called "stormwater."
Though it may not be filtered, the good news is stormwater does have one important layer of protection - you! As homeowners and residents, we can steward our stormwater and prevent harmful pollutants and toxins from reaching waterways in the first place. Below are some simple steps you can take to protect waterways and shorelines.
Power washing can dislodge pollutants (like paint chips or oily sediments) and cause chemical residues and soaps to flow into the storm drain system, harming aquatic life and habitat.
Clean sidewalks and driveways with a brush or broom, rather than power washing.
If you must power wash, sweep the surface before washing and use absorbents on oil spots.
Avoid cleaning compounds whenever possible.
Identify the nearest storm drain and prevent surface runoff from entering.
Pools and spas or hot tubs contain saltwater, chlorine or bromine along with algaecide, fungicide, and chemical sanitizers. Draining these waters improperly can harm fish in our local waterways.
Do not drain water from pools, spas, or hot tubs down the storm drain.
Safely store and dispose of chemicals and additives according to the instructions on the label.
If unsure, contact your municipal public works department for advice on how to deal with pool and spa water.
Pesticides and fertilizers can pollute soil and groundwater and can remain in the environment for a long time after application. The chemicals in pesticides and fertilizers pollute our streams, creeks, and waterways if they enter our stormwater system.
Never pour chemicals down the storm drain or onto the ground.
Home heating oil tanks can fail, leading to oil spills into our creeks and streams causing potential health risks or environmental damage that is costly to residents. Spills happen due to falure of abandoned or decommissioned underground tanks or tanks that are currently in use as well as accidental damage to tanks or fuel lines. Once spilled, rain and irrigation water carries oil through the soil into residential perimeter drains and the surrounding environment. Perimeter drains can quickly carry oil into the storm drain systems, which empty directly into creeks, harbours or shorelines.
Note: A spill is considered an accidental spill, leak, or illicit dumping of a substance that may adversely affect the environment or human health. It is important to report spills.
All pipes need maintenance. Learn about inspecting, maintaining and repairing the pipes on your property such as septic or sewer pipes, stormwater laterals and foundation drains to prevent back-ups and pollution.
Clear eavestroughs and downspouts twice a year.
Avoid planting water-loving trees over your pipes.
Don't put fats, oils and grease down the drain or flushable wipes, napkins or paper towels down toilets or drains.
Have sewer pipes inspected with a camera about every 10 years or more often for older homes.
Have your septic system inspected every one to five years, depending on the type of system you have.
As we continue to build urban communities, native soils and trees are removed to create impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces (roads, roofs, parking lots, sidewalks and paved driveways) prevent rainwater from passing into the soil below. The increase in impervious surfaces results in much higher surface runoff into our stormwater system, which can cause flooding, erosion, pollution and habitat degradation. Learn about ways to manage your rainwater.
Preventing Pollution at Work
Industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) facility operators have an important role in managing stormwater. By adhering to applicable regulations and adopting best management practices, stormwater contaminants can be significantly reduced protecting your business and the environment.
Municipalities have bylaws that regulate and prohibit certain types of waste from being discharged into stormwater drains. These bylaws are in place to protect public health and the environment. Contact your municipality for relevant regulations.
On the Saanich Peninsula, the Saanich Peninsula Stormwater Bylaw No. 4168 is in effect.
Properties in Central Saanich, North Saanich & Sidney must follow the Saanich Peninsula Stormwater Bylaw No. 4168 [PDF/304KB] [PDF/304KB]. This bylaw regulates and prohibits certain types of wastes from entering the stormwater drainage systems to protect municipal infrastructure, public health, local waterways and the marine shoreline environment.
Everyone, including residents and businesses must make sure the water leaving their property is free of contamination so only clean water enters nearby stormwater drains that lead to local creeks and waterways. This can be done by:
Ensuring land activities do not leave waste or chemicals that can be picked up by rain (such as paint or oil from vehicles and vehicle maintenance).
Ensuring water uses do not wash contaminants into the stormwater drain or a waterway (such as water from power washing or landscaping).
There are specific requirements for the management and maintenance of parking lots and storage areas. For the full code of practices, check out Schedule "C" for parking lots and Schedule "D" for outdoor storage of Bylaw No. 4168. [PDF/304KB] [PDF/304KB]
The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation
