Municipal Drainage Program

What is a Drain?

Throughout rural areas, municipal drains are the 'ditches' that carry water off the fields. In urban centres, drainage systems may carry wastewater away from housing developments, neighbourhoods, etc. The water is carried directly to one of the large bodies of water that surround us (Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair or the Detroit River), without receiving mechanical purification treatment, although it is cleansed naturally to some degree by the vegetation growing in the drain.

It is important not to dump paint, motor oil or other household hazardous waste down your sink, toilet or into the drainage grates on your street. Always be sure to dispose of these materials at your local waste depot. Don't forget, our drains lead directly into our the sources of our drinking water!

ERCA's Role in Drain Management

Proper creation and maintenance of drains helps to protect habitat and prevent streambank erosion and the runoff of valuable topsoil into the drain. ERCA works with municipalities to ensure soil conservation techniques and the preservation of trees and wildlife habitat with regards to drains, while recognizing the importance of maintaining the water flow in an effective and efficient manner. In addition, conservation measures prolong the life of a drain, saving cost on maintenance.

According to the Federal Fisheries Act (through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, or DFO), drains are not permitted to harm fish habitat. With support from the DFO, ERCA continues to test drains to determine level of fish habitat, thus providing a quick-reference and cost-efficient classification to be used for building and maintenance of drains.