Mississauga residents urged to prevent flooding, pollution while spring cleaning

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Published April 19, 2022 at 1:13 pm

Mississauga residents urged to help prevent flooding, pollution and pooling

Mississauga residents planning on doing some spring cleaning–after the latest snowfall clears away–can do a few things at the same time to prevent flooding, water pooling and pollution.

City of Mississauga officials urge people to be mindful of what’s draining from their property, and where it’s going.

“Improper drainage can potentially lead to flooding, pooling water and damage to your home,” officials warn. “In addition, debris, soap and chemicals can flow into catch basins and eventually make their way into creeks and rivers. These pollutants all end up in Lake Ontario, which is our main source of drinking water.”

The City offers the following suggestions to ensure homes are ready for spring:

  • inspect and improve your property’s drainage by making sure  downspouts drain away from the foundation and your neighbour’s property (the water should flow onto your garden or lawn to be absorbed); clearing your eavestrough, downspouts and the catch basins near your property of debris and leaves; adding a rain garden (rain gardens are self-watering gardens that replace an area of your lawn to collect the water that flows off your roof, grass or driveway); inspecting your basement sump pump if you have one to make sure the water is being drained a safe distance from your home, where the water can soak into the ground
  • properly drain hot tubs, spas or pools. If you spent the chilly months keeping warm in your hot tub or spa and are now looking to change or drain the water, make sure you are doing so properly. Before emptying chlorinated, brominated or chemically treated water into the stormwater system, stop treating the water, avoid discharging the water in rainy weather to avoid flooding and ensure salt water is drained into the sanitary sewer, not the stormwater system
  • keep your spring cleaning clean. During spring cleaning, be mindful of what’s draining into the stormwater system. Avoid washing or servicing your car in the driveway, don’t spray fertilizer or pesticide onto the road, driveway or sidewalk where it can mix with stormwater and flow into the catch basins and don’t dispose of waste, such as leftover paint or chemicals, by pouring them down the catch basin
  • properly prepare for upcoming renovations if you have some work planned (proper building permits, etc.)

For more information, visit the City of Mississauga online.

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