Storm Sewer

The City of Belleville is responsible for the collection and management of stormwater on municipal roadways and allowances.

What is stormwater

Stormwater is rainfall and melting snow that soaks into the ground or runs off surfaces into storm sewers and nearby waterways. As cities grow, natural landscapes are turned into roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and buildings. These surfaces do not allow water to soak into the ground which leads to increased stormwater runoff. As it flows, stormwater picks up dirt, road salts, garbage and pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides and oil and carries this pollution downstream. To lower the risk of flooding and protect water quality, cities use a variety of practices and technologies to manage stormwater.

How we manage stormwater

In Belleville, there are multiple pathways that stormwater can follow before entering a waterbody.

Storm grates and catch basins

A catch basin collects stormwater and transports it to local waterways through the storm sewer system of underground pipes. You will see catch basins along most roadways. They are designed to capture garbage and sand/gravel but do not prevent fuels or other spilled or dumped liquids from entering the environment. If someone pours waste oils or dirty water into a catch basin they are essentially pouring it straight into the Bay of Quinte.

Oil and grit separators

In some areas of the city, stormwater flows through oil and grit separators. These underground tanks have multiple chambers that capture and remove oils, grease and sediments resulting in cleaner water downstream.

Stormwater management facility

In other areas of the city, stormwater flows from the storm sewer into a stormwater management facility (ie. stormwater pond). There are two types of ponds:

1. Dry ponds which are designed to have enough retention time to allow the stormwater to seep into the ground, and;
2. Wet ponds which are designed to slow the flow down to a point where solid materials can settle out before the stormwater is discharged.

Protecting our waterways

Regular maintenance of our storm sewer system is crucial in protecting the quality of our lakes and rivers. This is why we conduct street sweeping and catch basin cleaning to limit the amount of contaminants carried downstream. Our oil and grit separators are inspected every year to determine if cleaning is required and are emptied as needed to help keep these substances out of our waterways.

In recent years, commercial developments in Belleville have made use of bioswales and other Low Impact Development techniques to manage stormwater more naturally. The City has planted low-maintenance flowers and grasses in medians along portions of Pinnacle Street and Dundas Street West to reduce stormwater runoff and beautify our roadways.

What you can do to help

Reduce stormwater pollution

The Bay of Quinte is our primary source of drinking water in Belleville. To protect the bay, you can reduce stormwater pollution by taking these simple actions:

• Never pour anything into a catch basin
• Put pet waste in the garbage where it belongs
• Wash your car at a car-wash connected to the sanitary sewer
• Check your vehicle on a regular basis for fluid leaks
• Minimize the use of lawn fertilizer and pesticides or avoid their use altogether

Restore the natural water cycle

In natural landscapes, stormwater soaks into the ground nourishing plants and replenishing nearby waterways and aquifers. You can help restore this natural cycle on your own property. The options listed below will reduce stormwater runoff and can help to prevent basement flooding and costly repairs to your home's foundation.