THERE’S A DIRECT CONNECTION BETWEEN OUR ACTIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENT Storm and sanitary sewers play an important role in keeping local waters healthy. Anything that enters the storm sewer (including fertilizers and the pesticides used in gardens and the soapy water from washing cars on streets or driveways or garages) can harm Vancouver’s important water ecosystem.

VANCOUVER’S SEWER SYSTEM The separation of sewers, increased environmental awareness, and careful practices by citizens are improving our water quality. Each year, the City replaces about 14 kilometres of old sewer mains with two new pipes, one for stormwater run-off and one for sewage (sanitary sewer). Upgrading sewers to two separate pipes will eliminate the overflow of sewage into Vancouver’s waterways. Wherever you see two sewer manholes in the streets you know that the neighbourhood’s sewer system is up to date and contributing to a greener Vancouver.