Descriptions of sewer systems
The City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux has two sewer systems; one for sanitary waste water and the other for storm water. Waste water from residential and commercial users empties into the City of Montréal’s underground sewer main, which runs across the City to the east end of the Island of Montréal. This waste water is treated and returned to the St. Lawrence River (for more information, please consult the City of Montréal’s waste water treatment website at http://services.ville.montreal.qc.ca/station.
Runoff flows into the sewer system through catch basins located along street gutters. Some of the water collected in this way is temporarily held in the Centennial Lake (retention pond), before being discharged into the Rivière des Prairies.
A permit must be obtained and administrative charges paid for every new sewage connection to the public sewer system. Please refer to our By-law R-2014-095 for additional questions or contact the Engineering Division at 514-684-1033.
Prohibition
Since storm water is not treated before being discharged, it is strictly prohibited to empty toxic or dangerous products into the storm water system through the grates located along the streets. These products require a special collection.
Prevention and obligations
All sanitary waste water systems have rats. The City’s system is no exception. While the City hires a company to put rat poison each year in sewer manholes to reduce the rodent population and limit its spread, rats cannot be eradicated completely.
- Residents must seal any opening that could allow rats to enter the home.
- The National Plumbing Code of Canada stipulates that all homes must have a back water valve on the horizontal line in basements and cellars.
In addition to preventing rats from entering the home, this back water valve prevents sewer backups.
Possible situations and interventions
Foul odours
- Outdoors: A foul odour can originate from many sources; for example, dead leaves or other debris in the catch basin can cause a noxious smell in the sewer. Call the Public Works Department, give your address and describe the problem. An inspector will be dispatched to the premises to analyze the problem and suggest appropriate action (siphoning or cleaning).
- Indoors: A dry drain can emit a foul odour inside a home. Allow water to flow into the basement or garage drain. If the odour persists, call the Public Works Department, give your address and describe the problem.
