Sewer maintenance and overflow prevention

Acoustic sewer screening is used to assess blockage levels in sanitary sewer pipes without entering the sewer system. The process involves placing two small, surface‑mounted devices on open manholes. One device transmits sound and the other receives it, allowing the sound to travel through the sewer pipe and be analyzed to determine whether the pipe is clear or partially blocked.

No water is used during acoustic sewer screening. No crews or equipment enter the sewer, and no flushing or excavation is required. Each test takes only a few minutes to complete.

Each sewer segment receives a score indicating whether the pipe is clear or requires follow‑up maintenance such as sewer flushing or CCTV inspection. Acoustic screening allows the Town to quickly evaluate large portions of the sewer system while avoiding unnecessary cleaning and minimizing disruption to residents and traffic.

Sewer flushing and CCTV inspection are completed in locations identified through acoustic screening and on sewer pipes 450 mm in diameter and greater that follow a routine maintenance cycle.

Flushing removes grit, sand, debris, and other materials that can accumulate in sewer pipes and lead to blockages, odour generation, and increased wear on pumping equipment. CCTV inspection allows staff to visually confirm pipe condition and identify areas requiring maintenance or further investigation.

Most sewer maintenance work occurs without residents being aware and does not involve service interruptions. Where planned service disruptions are required, residents will be notified in advance, except in emergency situations.

On rare occasions, residents may experience brief noises, odours, or minor toilet splashes during sewer flushing. These occurrences are typically related to private plumbing issues, such as inadequate venting or non‑compliant plumbing arrangements.

If residents experience a plumbing issue during sewer flushing, they should contact a licensed plumber to assess their private plumbing system. Residents are also encouraged to notify the Town so the situation can be reviewed. As a general precaution, residents are advised to keep toilet lids closed when not in use.

• SSO locations are not new, they have long been part of the Wastewater Collection System as emergency protection points.
• The Town is required to install standardized provincial SSO signage at each identified site no later than Feb. 8, 2027, as outlined in CLI ECA 119 W601.
• This initiative supports the Town’s commitment to public safety, environmental protection and transparency.
• Installation will begin in summer 2026 and all required signs have already been fabricated.
• Installation work will not disrupt services, utilities or daily activities.
• Town staff performing this work will be clearly identified through uniforms and safety equipment.
• Overflow events are extremely rare and occur only during severe rainfall, system failures or emergency conditions.
• During an SSO event, residents should avoid contact with affected water, asit may contain elevated bacteria levels.
• Drinking water and household water services (taps, toilets, showers) remain safe to use during an overflow event, as these are independent systems.
• The Town actively monitors wastewater infrastructure and follows a well-established‑ response protocol if an overflow occurs.

Signs will be placed at the nearest publicly accessible location downstream of the overflow point. Where downstream access is limited or farther than 100 metres, signage will be installed at the pumping station or outfall itself, as required by the CLI ECA.

SSO signage locations (2026 rollout)

• SPS 601 - 104 Lake Dr. N. - Summer 2026
• SPS 602 - 52 Metropolitan Cres. - Summer 2026
• SPS 606 - 263 Royal Rd. - Summer 2026
• SPS 607 - 517 Lake Dr. S. - Summer 2026
• SPS 608 - 687 Lake Dr. S. - Summer 2026
• SPS 611 - 2 Burke St. - Summer 2026
• SPS 619 - 440 Bouchier St. - Summer 2026
• SPS 622 - 210 Lake Dr. E. - Summer 2026
• SPS 623 - 1510 Metro Rd. N. - Summer 2026

An SSO is a protective feature within the Wastewater Collection System designed to operate only during rare emergency or extreme wet weather conditions. In these situations, untreated or partially treated wastewater may be discharged at a controlled location to help prevent backups into homes, roads or private property.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) now requires municipalities operating under a Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI ECA), including the Town of Georgina, to install public notification signage at all approved SSO locations. These signs must be installed by Feb. 8, 2027.

No. The SSO locations have been a part of the wastewater system for many years. What’s new is the requirement to install standardized public notification signage. 

No. Installation activities are brief and non‑intrusive and are not expected to affect roads, utilities or wastewater services.

No. SSOs occur only under exceptional circumstances, typically during extreme weather or other emergency conditions.

If an overflow occurs:

• Avoid contact with the surrounding water.
• Keep pets and children away from the area.
• Report concerns through the Town’s contact channels.

You may observe temporary water discharges at outfall locations during normal rainfall. In many cases, this is stormwater and not necessarily an overflow.

No. Drinking water and wastewater systems operate independently. Household water services, including taps, toilets and showers, remain safe to use. 

The Town of Georgina uses several measures to reduce the likelihood of overflows, including:

• Routine inspections and preventative maintenance
• Back-up power systems at pumping stations where required
• Real-‑time system monitoring
• Blockage prevention and system cleaning programs
• Long-‑term asset management planning and infrastructure investment
• Public education initiatives (e.g., proper disposal of wipes and reduction of fats, oils and grease). 

During an overflow event, the Town follows established response procedures and communicates with the public as required. Signage installed at overflow locations also directs residents to the Town’s website for additional information.