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Stormwater management

When it rains or snow melts, water runs off roads and surrounding land. Niagara Region's stormwater system carries that runoff away from Regional roads, helping prevent flooding and protecting local creeks and rivers from pollution. The system is built from several working parts:

Water falling into a sewer drain

Pipes and culverts

A network of underground storm pipes and culverts moves runoff away from roads and toward natural outlets.

Screwdriver and wrench

Oil and grit separators

Treatment devices capture oil and silt from runoff before it reaches local waterways, reducing impacts on the environment.

Pipe

Storage and pumping

Oversized "super pipes" and storage systems hold extra water and release it slowly, while a pumping station drains low-lying areas that can't drain on their own.

Caring for the system

Keeping stormwater moving means regular cleaning, inspection and repair. Work in 2024 included:

3,059

Catch basins cleaned
Debris cleared from catch basins on Regional roads.

14

Treatment devices cleaned
Silt and debris removed from every oil and grit separator Niagara Region owns.

1,894

Hours of grate clearing
Inlets checked and cleared of debris buildup.

9m

Storm lead replaced
Collapsed sections of pipe repaired, plus catch basin lid and lead repairs.

Annual performance

Every year, Niagara Region reports on how it manages stormwater across the region. 2024 was a steady year for performance.

  • No spills or abnormal discharge events in the stormwater system
  • No system alterations were made to the authorized stormwater system

New in 2024

We installed AI-based flood detection at two railway underpasses that have historically flooded during heavy rain. The technology helps crews respond faster when water rises, while longer-term fixes are explored.

Download the 2024 Stormwater Management Annual Performance Report (PDF)

Looking ahead to 2025

  • Regionwide camera inspections. A CCTV and condition assessment program will inspect all storm sewers to find and fix issues, including any utility cross-bores.
  • Underpass flooding solutions. Further investigation is planned to resolve flooding at the Regional Road 77 and Regional Road 24 underpasses.
  • New operations manual. Niagara Region is developing a maintenance manual to keep the system running efficiently.