Stormwater

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is rain and melted snow that runs off surfaces such as roofs, lawns, driveways, parking lots, and roads. Stormwater then travels into the storm sewer system. As stormwater runs off different surfaces it collects debris and chemicals. These harmful materials then become trapped in the storm sewer system.

Stormwater is collected in storm drains or catch basins and flows through pipes and ditches until it eventually reaches a nearby lake or stream. This stormwater does not usually get treatment before entering the body of water. It is important to keep our stormwater clean so that our lakes and streams do no become polluted.

Keeping our stormwater clean

It is important to keep our stormwater clean so that our lakes and streams do no become polluted.

Storm Water Pollutants

The list below includes things that can pollute our stormwater:

• Garbage and debris (cigarette butts, leaves, litter)
• Oil and grease gasoline
• Automotive products (antifreeze, brake fluid, sealers)
• Cleaning products (car wash detergents, cleansers)
• Lawn and garden products (weed killers, pest control products)
• Other chemicals (paint, varnishes, solvents)
• Pet wastes

Stormdrain Marking Program

Metal markers are installed on catch basins in Yellowknife. These markers are to remind residents that water entering these catch basins flows directly into nearby lakes.

Proper Disposal of Wastes

Proper disposal of wastes at the right place will help keep our water clean.

• Do no litter
• Take Household Hazardous Waste to the Yellowknife Solid Waste Facility
• Put garbage in proper containers

Please visit our Garbage page for more information on how to properly dispose of wastes.

Stoop and Scoop

Please clean up after your pets. Pet waste can have bacteria, parasites, and viruses in it which can be a risk to our health. Nutrients in pet waste can help weeds and algae grow that change the water quality. Pet waste can be disposed at the Yellowknife Solid Waste Facility at no cost.

Report Illegal Dumping and Spills

If you see something being dumped into the stormwater collection system, call the NWT Spill Report Line at (867) 920-8130. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

More Information

For more information please see our Stormwater Information Brochure.