Sewer Use By-law

Hamilton’s Sewer Use By-law 14-090 (SUB) regulates the discharge of water and wastewater that enters the City’s sanitary, combined and storm sewers by:

• Establishing limits for common pollutants
• Establishing a list of prohibited substances
• Identifying requirements that users have to meet in order to discharge
• Enabling the City to monitor and reduce the impact of spills
• Enabling the City to monitor and control discharges

In 2020 a consultant was hired to develop modifications to the SUB and to help the City better understand the needs of industry partners when it comes to the Construction Dewatering Program. Because the SUB primarily impacts developers and business owners who rely on discharge guidelines, the City of Hamilton invites these stakeholders to learn more about the SUB and upcoming updates to it by viewing the virtual Public Information Centre below and completing the online survey.

The purpose of this new program is to ensure the City can successfully manage the conveyance sewer infrastructure and associated water quality treatment systems required to support construction dewatering activities from development projects. With the increasing demand for development in Hamilton, the Construction Dewatering Program will help protect the environment by mitigating flooding and enforcing water quality requirements as established by the By-law and provide developers with a clear process for submitting a permit application.

Developers, business owners and members of the public are also welcome to share their feedback and questions.

Proposed By-Law changes will be presented to Hamilton City Council in late 2021.