Benefits of Disconnecting Downspouts
Sudden, heavy rainstorms can cause combined sewer systems to overflow. When sewers overflow, basements and waterways can be flooded with untreated stormwater and wastewater.
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, homeowners and municipalities can derive economic and environmental benefits by disconnecting downspouts. These benefits include:
- Reduced likelihood of basements flooding due to unsanitary sewer backups and leaking downspout connections
- Less stormwater in the sewer system, decreasing the chance that untreated water will overflow into local streams and lakes
- Cleaner watercourses and a replenished groundwater table
- A reduced chance of flash flooding in rivers
- Lower energy requirements to run the sewer system and wastewater treatment facilities, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- Increased availability of water for lawns and gardens if it's collected in rain barrels. 1 2 3
Across Canada, many municipalities have downspout disconnection programs. These programs may be mandatory, voluntary or supported by consumer rebates. Visit your public works website for more information.