WWFMP - Glossary
Seen a word or two that’s new? Here are some definitions to help you better understand our Wet Weather Flow Master Plan.
Catchbasin: a basin area or sump located under the storm grate that catches debris. When stormwater overflows through the storm grate, debris carried by the stormwater is captured in the basin and prevented from entering the sewer
Combined sewers: a sewer that carries both storm and sanitary wastewater
Conveyance controls: the type of drainage system in which flows are being conveyed. These systems control how stormwater and combined sewage is transported across the city. Types of controls include “leaky” pipes and ditches
Cross connections: where a stormwater pipe is incorrectly connected to a sanitary sewer or where a sanitary pipe is incorrectly connected to a storm sewer
Dry weather flow: flow discharging from a storm sewer during dry periods (i.e., when it isn’t raining or snowing). Could be the result of a cross connection
End-of-pipe control: technology at the outlet of a sewer that deals with stormwater and combined sewage before it is discharged into our streams, rivers, or Lake Ontario. Technology includes: underground storage tanks, underground infiltration basin or flow balancing system
Urban stormwater runoff: stormwater runoff from developed areas. This runoff picks up road salt, soil, lawn and garden chemicals, and pet wastes as it flows overland via streets into storm drains to nearby rivers, lakes and ponds
Waterfront deflector arms: man-made peninsulas that deflect water from rivers or streams as it enters the lake or other bodies of water
Watershed: land area draining to a river or a water body, such as a lake
Wetland: a vegetated area, such as a bog, marsh or swamp, where the soil is saturated for all or part of the year
Wet weather flow: also known as stormwater runoff, which is generated when it rains or snows. It can end up as a combined sewer overflow, storm sewer discharge or flow which infiltrates the sanitary system