Reviewing the Sewers Bylaw

For the past two years, Toronto Water has been conducting a review of the Sewers Bylaw. The purpose of the bylaw is to regulate the discharge of chemicals, or subject pollutants, into our city’s sanitary and storm sewers.

As part of the review process, I requested staff to conduct a comprehensive review of subject pollutants listed in the Sewers Bylaw. The goal is to determine whether there are additional chemicals of concern that may be impacting our wastewater treatment plant operations and should be added to this list.

A full review is not only sensible but also timely as the list hasn’t been updated since 2013. It will ensure that our bylaw aligns with the best practices and regulatory mechanisms of other levels of government.

The bottom line is that our water is constantly recycled and becomes our drinking water. It’s key that we work to reduce pollution at the source and ensure the protection of our water system.

You can read the full text of my motion here.

You can also read the Toronto Environmental Alliance’s response to my motion, which received unanimous support from the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee.