The purpose of Sewer Use By-Law 80-2011 is to protect aquatic environments, public health and safety, Municipality of Lakeshore sewage works, wastewater treatment processes, and to control biosolids quality.
There are two types of sewers systems within the Municipality of Lakeshore, sanitary sewers and storm sewers. The sanitary sewers carry wastewater from homes and businesses to the wastewater treatment plant where it is treated. The storm sewer system collects rain water and melted snow from the streets and discharges it into local creeks, streams, rivers and Lake St. Clair. In order to maintain properly functioning sanitary and storm sewers, hazardous substances such as paints and fuels must not enter the municipal sewer systems. In order to ensure that this does not happen, discharges must be controlled at their sources.
The treatment process at a wastewater treatment plant is designed to treat domestic waste. It does not efficiently remove a variety of chemicals which can interfere with the wastewater treatment plant by upsetting the biological treatment process and discharging these chemicals into the Lake. It is also important to note that the design and function of the storm sewer system directs anything that enters a storm drain directly into a natural watercourse, these discharges are not treated.
The benefits of the Sewer Use By-law:
- Healthier aquatic environment
- Protection of Lake St. Clair and its tributaries
- Improved water quality
- Safe conditions for recreational water activities
- Continued beauty of local natural resource for citizens enjoyment
View the accordions below for a detailed list of what not to flush and instructions on how to properly dispose of the material.
| Hygiene Products |
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Below are the top hygiene items that should not be flushed and rather be placed in your garbage:
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| Fats, Oil & Grease (FOG) |
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An easy and important way we can have a positive impact on the environment is by properly disposing of fats, oil and grease, also known as FOG. When FOG is washed down the sink or toilet into the plumbing system they cool, harden and stick to the inside of sewer pipes. Over time, the grease will build up and can block the entire pipe – both on your property and on Town property. This can lead to spills and overflows that are hazardous to our homes, pollute our local waterways and groundwater, and harm fish and wildlife habitats.
Where FOG can be found...
How should FOG be handled at home?
Grease traps for food service establishments, child care centres & mobile food vendorsUnder the Sewers By-law, it is mandatory for all restaurants and other food service establishments, child care centres to install a grease trap (interceptor) as described in the Town's Sewer Use By-Law 80-2011 on any fixture or drain that discharges wastewater. This includes sinks for washing dishes, and drains serving cooking equipment and self-cleaning exhaust hoods. |
| Medication |
| As a result of better measurement instruments and techniques, traces of pharmaceuticals are being detected in the environment such as lakes, rivers and streams. One way this is happening is by consumers flushing medication, such as pills and liquids, down the toilet or sink. This can harm the environment and aquatic wildlife. To dispose of your medication safely, please return it to our local pharmacy. They will take it for free and dispose of it properly. |
| Household Hazardous Waste |
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The following household hazardous waste should never be flushed down the drain:
To dispose of these items safely, take them to a public drop-off depot. |
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