Keeping Wrenford's sewers and rivers clean
We work with Wrenford businesses to protect the Tamsin River and keep our sewer pipes clear. This page explains how we monitor wastewater, who needs a permit, and what you must do to stay compliant with our by-laws.
Who needs a wastewater discharge permit?
If your business discharges wastewater into the municipal sewer system, you likely need a permit. Industries that typically require a discharge permit include:
- Food service establishments
- Auto repair and body shops
- Commercial laundries
- Metal plating and finishing facilities
- Commercial painting operations
- Swimming pool drainage
Find out more about the application process and required documents on the Commercial wastewater monitoring and discharge page.
How we test your wastewater
Field crews collect samples from your property to check for prohibited substances. We use two methods:
- Grab sample: A small sample is taken directly from the flow as it enters a manhole.
- 24-hour composite sample: We place an autosampler in the manhole to capture a continuous mix of wastewater over a full day.
Our laboratory follows ISO 17025 standards and processes thousands of tests each year to keep the Wrenford Water Pollution Control Plant running smoothly. If you have questions about sampling or water quality, contact Water Operations Manager Patrick Nguyen at Water and Wastewater.
Fats, oils and grease rules
Food service businesses must install and maintain grease interceptors. These devices trap fats, oils, and grease so they do not solidify in the pipes and cause blockages. You must keep a maintenance log showing when the interceptor was cleaned and serviced. Failure to maintain your records or your interceptor can result in fines under By-laws.
Wastewater surcharge
If your business discharges wastewater that is stronger than standard domestic sewage, a surcharge is added to your monthly water bill. This fee covers the extra energy and chemicals needed to treat those contaminants. Visit Water and sewer rates and fees to see the current rates.
Reporting spills and violations
If a spill occurs, call Wrenford 311 immediately. Provide your contact details, the location, and the volume of the release so our crews can contain it before it reaches the Wrenford Water Pollution Control Plant.
If you see a business discharging prohibited substances, you can also report it to 311. Have the address and a brief description of the issue ready.
Fees and fines
The following table outlines common offences and penalties under the By-laws.
| By-law Section | Offence | Specified Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| 12(3) | Failing to maintain a grease interceptor maintenance log | $250.00 |
| 14(1) | Discharging prohibited substances into the sewer system | $2,500.00 |
| 15(2) | Failing to allow a City inspector access to the premises | $500.00 |
For more details on protecting our sewer system, visit Protecting our sewer system.