Temporary Discharge Permits

If you need a discharge permit for our stormwater system, find the process and application below.

On this page:

  1. What a Temporary Discharge Permit Is
  2. When This Permit Is Required
  3. Why the Permit Is Important
  4. Before Applying
  5. How to Apply
  6. Permit Processing Timelines
  7. Renewing an Existing Permit
  8. Region of Waterloo Permits
  9. Relevant Bylaws

What a Temporary Discharge Permit Is

A Temporary Discharge Permit is required to discharge water from construction activities into the City of Kitchener’s storm sewer system. This permit applies to surface water and groundwater from dewatering activities. It does not apply to discharges into:
  • The City’s sanitary sewers
  • The Region of Waterloo’s sewers
Separate approvals must be obtained from the Region of Waterloo for those systems.

When This Permit Is Required

Discharging water into City storm sewers is not allowed without a Temporary Discharge Permit. The permit applies to property owners, developers, consultants, contractors, and City staff who need to temporarily discharge construction related water. These discharges are regulated under the Sewer Use Bylaw to protect public health, municipal infrastructure, and the environment.

Why the Permit Is Important

Protecting water quality in creeks, rivers, and drinking water sources is a shared responsibility, and improper discharges can harm public health and damage ecosystems—including trees, plants, birds, fish, and other wildlife—while non compliance can also lead to financial penalties and cleanup costs under City, provincial, or federal regulations

Before Applying

A permit is required for any construction related discharge to the City’s storm sewer system that exceeds 50,000 litres per day. Applicants should confirm sewer ownership using the City’s Open Data portal.
To verify sewer ownership, visit: Open Data – City of Kitchener.
If the discharge is to Regional or sanitary sewers, applications must be submitted through the Region of Waterloo.

How to Apply

Step 1: Gather Information
This section provides information required to complete the City of Kitchener’s online Storm Sewer Temporary Discharge Permit Application. Having this information ready will make the process faster and easier.
  1. Project Information
    • Whether this is a new application or a renewal
    • A short description of the project
    • The project address and municipality
    • Coordinates or a reference plan (if available)
    • The source of water to be discharging (e.g., groundwater, surface water)
    • Whether the site is in a Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) or Intake Protection Zone (IPZ)
  1. Contact Information. The application requires contact details for several parties. For each applicable role, have the following ready:
    • Full legal name
    • Contact name and title
    • Phone number
    • Email address
    • Mailing address
    • This information will be required for the following individuals:
      • Property owner
      • Applicant or Qualified Person (QP)
      • Dewatering contractor
      • Billing contact
      • Emergency contact
      • City project manager (if applicable)
  1. Regulatory Information. If the project involves water taking, then include:
  1. Discharge Details
    • Estimated project duration
    • Dewatering dates
    • Maximum daily discharge volume
    • Total expected discharge volume
    • Pumping hours per day
    • Whether water will be pretreated before discharge
    • A brief description of erosion and sediment controls on site
  1. Supporting Documents. Depending on the project, following may be required:
    • Water quality results
    • Treatment system details (e.g., tanks, flow meters etc.)
    • Hydrogeological, environmental, or geotechnical reports
    • Emergency Response Plan
    • Discharge Plan
    • Certificate of Property Use (CPU), Groundwater Management Plan, or Record of Site Condition (RSC) acknowledgement (if applicable)
  1. Flow Measurement Information
    • Type of flow measuring device
    • Serial number
    • Device location
    • Calibration frequency
  1. Signatures and Approvals
    • Applicant name, title, and signature
    • Qualified Person signature
    • Owner name, title, and signature
    • Confirmation of whether approval from the Region of Waterloo is required

Step 2: Submit the online application using the webform

Complete the online application.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Write a cheque to cover the Dewatering Discharge Permit Application Fee of $980.

Cheque requirements:
  • Payable to: The City of Kitchener – SSU (Temporary Discharge Permit)
  • Include on the cheque: Project name, property address, and/or owner’s name
  • Deliver to: Manager, Environmental Compliance and Utility Performance, 131 Goodrich Drive, Kitchener, ON

Step 4: Application Review and Approval

  • City staff will review the application and may request additional information, after which approval will be sent by email. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and may delay approval.
  • Notify the City 48 hours before discharge begins, and once the dewatering system is installed, photos of the setup must be sent to sanitarystorm.approvals@kitchener.ca. 

Permit Processing Timelines

Acknowledgment of receipt: Within 2 business days.
Application review (starting once the application is acknowledged): Within 15 business days.
If no additional information is required: The permit will be approved within the 15 business day review period. If additional information is required: The permit will be approved within 5 business days after the City receives all requested information to its satisfaction.
Email notification will be sent if timelines change. 

Renewing an Existing Permit

Submit renewal applications 30 business days before the permit expires through webform.
No renewal fee applies when only the dewatering duration is extended.
A renewal fee applies when proposed changes require a sewer capacity analysis
Include:
  • Existing application number
  • Project name
  • Reason for renewal

Region of Waterloo Permits

Apply through the Region of Waterloo for:
  • General Discharge Permit
  • Surcharge Permit
  • Compliance Permit

Relevant Bylaws

For more information, refer to:

 

Contact Us

City of Kitchener
200 King Street West,
Kitchener, Ontario
N2G 4G7
Telephone: 519-741-2345
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
Email: info@kitchener.ca

Land acknowledgement

The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.