The City of Port Colborne collects wastewater from homes and businesses through approximately 90 kilometres of sanitary sewer mains. Niagara Region then treats the wastewater before safely returning treated water to the environment.
How Wastewater Works
Wastewater is water that leaves your home or business through toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines and other drains.
In Port Colborne:
- Wastewater from homes and businesses enters the City's sanitary sewer system.
- The City's sewer mains carry wastewater to Niagara Region's sewage pumping stations.
- Wastewater is pumped to Niagara Region's Seaway Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- The wastewater is treated before being safely discharged into the Welland Canal.
Niagara Region is responsible for wastewater treatment, while the City operates and maintains Port Colborne's wastewater collection system.
Learn about wastewater treatment at Niagara Region
Your Sewer Service
Each property is connected to the municipal sanitary sewer system by a pipe commonly called a sewer lateral or sewer service.
Who is responsible?
Property owners are responsible for the sewer service from the property line to their home or building.
The City is responsible for sewer services and mains located on public property. City crews also regularly inspect and clean municipal sanitary sewers to help keep the system operating properly.
Financial assistance may be available for eligible sewer improvements and replacements.
Water & Sewer Grants & Warranties
What to do if your sewer backs up
Water or sewage coming up through a floor drain or other drain may indicate a blocked sewer service.
If you experience a sewer backup:
- Stop using water where possible to avoid adding more wastewater to the sewer.
- Contact a licensed plumber or sewer contractor to determine where the blockage is located.
- Contact the City if the blockage is determined to be on the City-owned portion of the sewer service. Staff will advise you on next steps.
If the blockage is on private property, the property owner is responsible for having it cleared and completing any necessary repairs.
If there is a sewer cleanout at the property line, make sure it is accessible before City crews arrive. City staff cannot move personal property or enter a home to clear a blockage.
Protect your property from sewer backups
Property owners can take steps to reduce the risk of basement flooding and sewer backups.
The City offers financial assistance to eligible property owners for improvements such as sewer disconnection and backflow prevention.
Sewer Disconnect & Backflow Prevention Grant
Help Protect Our Wastewater System
What goes down your toilets and drains can affect your home's plumbing, the City's sewer system and Niagara Region's wastewater treatment facilities.