The City monitors wastewater discharged by industrial, commercial and institutional properties to help protect Toronto’s sewer system and the environment. City staff inspect properties and take samples of wastewater discharged to the sewer system to ensure they comply with the Sewers By-law.
Failure to comply with the bylaw can result in fines of up to $100,000 per day.
Properties may be eligible for the following programs and agreements:
For more information, email P3help@toronto.ca.
Properties that exceed discharge limits for specific treatable contaminants can enter into an Industrial Waste Surcharge Agreement. Under the agreement, the City treats the excess discharge and charges a fee to cover treatment costs.
Entering into an Industrial Waste Surcharge Agreement with the City:
Fees are reviewed annually as part of the City budget process and may change.
| Fee Description | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial fee for establishment of a new agreement | $1,130.85 |
| Annual minimum fee | $500 |
| Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | $0.64/kg |
| Phenolics (4AAP) | $0.64/kg |
| Total Suspended Solids (TSS) | $0.70/kg |
| Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) | $1.43/kg |
| Total Phosphorus (TP) | $2.24/kg |
Under certain conditions, properties can deliver hauled sewage to a City wastewater treatment plant for treatment.
Accepted sources include:
The City only accepts hauled sewage generated within Toronto.
$27.86 per cubic metre (220 gallons)
Applicants must provide:
The program gives properties additional time to install equipment or take other actions needed to meet Sewers By-law limits.
If approved, the property can temporarily discharge wastewater above bylaw limits while completing the required corrective measures. Participants must meet specific conditions, schedules and reporting requirements set out in the agreement.