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Stormwater Management

Stormwater Management

Stormwater

Report a problem online or contact our Public Works department.

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rainfall and snowmelt that seeps into the ground or runs off the land into storm sewers, streams and eventually lakes. It may also include runoff from activities such as watering lawns, washing cars and draining pools.

Stormwater infrastructure helps protect the quality of our water and reduce the risk of flooding. In East Zorra-Tavistock our stormwater infrastructure includes stormwater management facilities, storm sewers, catch basins, manholes, oil and grit separators, culverts, ditches, swales, and municipal drains.

Photo of Stormwater Pond

Stormwater management facilities

In East Zorra-Tavistock our stormwater management facilities include dry ponds, wet ponds, and constructed wetlands. Additionally, we have several grassed swales throughout the township. All stormwater management facilities in our Township are constructed infrastructure. Routine maintenance occurs to help systems work as intended.

Stormwater management facility locations

  • Burton Street/Innerkip Park – wet pond facility
  • Jonker Street – constructed wetland

  • 14th Line – constructed wetland
  • Dietrich Road – dry pond facility
  • Halliday Drive – constructed wetland
  • Jacob Street West – constructed wetland
  • Janelle Drive – dry pond facility

Stormwater management facilities and swales frequently asked questions

No. Stormwater facilities are not designed for recreation. Never play in or around a stormwater pond.

  • Stormwater ponds are often deeper than they appear. Water depth is sometimes more than 2 metres (6.5 feet).
  • Water levels can change quickly and without notice.
  • There is sometimes a thick layer of sediment at the bottom of the pond.
  • Stormwater ponds are designed to retain contaminants.
  • Ice thickness varies because water is constantly flowing. Never skate or play hockey on a frozen stormwater pond.

Long grasses are often part of the engineered design of stormwater management facilities and swales. Long grass acts as a natural filter, helping improve water quality and helping the system function properly. Stormwater management facilities and swales are not maintained as parks because they are constructed infrastructure.

If you have a concern about long grass in a facility please reach out to our office. All maintenance will be completed by the Township or designated contractor; do not complete any maintenance of a Township facility on your own.

Altering the grade of your lot in any way is not permitted. The grading of your lot impacts the overall flow pattern in the subdivision. Please contact our Operations Technologist if you have a concern about your lot grading.

No. Never build or store items in a swale or stormwater management facility. It may seem harmless building a shed or storing a campfire pit in a swale or dry pond, it is important to remember these facilities are designed to protect our community during large rainfall events.

Placing any items in a swale or dry pond can cause a blockage and lead to system failure during a large storm.

Small actions can create a positive impact on our stormwater system. Here are some ways you can help:

  • Install a rain barrel, which are available for purchase from Oxford County
  • Direct downspouts onto your lawn, not the road or sidewalk
  • Always clean up your pet's waste
  • Minimize your use of pesticides and fertilizers
  • Avoid excess salting, only use the salt that is needed in the winter
  • Dispose of hazardous waste at designated disposal sites only
  • Never release domestic pets into our system
  • Keep catch basins clear

Remember, only rain down the drain.

Stormwater Studies and Reports

Additional resources

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