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. The stormwater does not get treated before entering the receiving environment. It is important to keep our stormwater clean so that our lakes and streams do not become polluted.
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
Proper Disposal of Wastes
Proper disposal of waste at the right place will help keep our water clean.
- Do not litter
- Take Household Hazardous Waste to the Solid Waste Facility
- Put garbage in proper containers
Report Illegal Dumping and Spills
If you see something being dumped into the storm water collection system, call the NWT Spill Report Line at (867) 920-8130. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.