Wastewater / Stormwater
The Township of Perth East Public Works Department owns two water and wastewater collection, treatment and distribution systems: the Milverton Wastewater System and the Shakespeare Wastewater System. The Township is committed to provide and maintain modern, reliable systems to ensure that all residents can rely on effective systems which is safe for residents, visitors, and the environment. As of June 1, 2021 all wastewater treatment facilities are operated by the Township; this means, the Township is responsible for all monitoring, quality assurance, quality control, reporting, inspection, collection, distribution, and maintenance of these systems.
How are sanitary and storm sewers maintained?
The Township’s storm and sanitary sewers need ongoing inspection and maintenance to ensure that they work properly, and continue to protect the health and property of the public. Township staff assess and respond to problems through long-term monitoring and information provided by the public.
Sanitary sewers carry wastewater from homes, commercial buildings and industrial sources to either the Milverton wastewater treatment plant or the Shakespeare wastewater treatment plant. After treatment the water is returned to the watershed. Problems can occur when untreatable waste such as household cleaners, paint, oils, etc. are disposed of in the sanitary system. The Township’s treatment facilities are not capable of handling these types of materials.
For more information on where to dispose of these types of materials, please visit our household hazardous waste page.
The Township’s networks of storm sewers are intended to convey storm water from urban areas to receiver water bodies. Private connections are not permitted to connect into this system. Private sump pumps, roof leaders, etc. must flow overland before entering this system. Township staff will routinely clean street side catch basins to ensure positive drainage into the system.
Wastewater Treatment
The Public Works Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all municipal wastewater systems including the Shakespeare Wastewater Treatment Plant, Milverton Lagoon, sewage collection systems and sewage pumping stations.
Annual Wastewater Treatment Reports
The Township monitors the wastewater effluent quality weekly at the Shakespeare Wastewater Treatment Plant and bi-weekly at the Milverton Lagoon during the discharge period of November 1 to March 31 each year. Annual reports are completed each year summarizing operations.
Milverton Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP)
- Milverton WPCP – 2024 Annual Report
- Milverton WPCP – 2023 Annual Report
- Milverton WPCP – 2022 Annual Report
Shakespeare Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP)
Annual Performance Reports
Don't Flush it!
Not everything that goes down the drain is safe for the plumbing in your house or safe for the Township’s sanitary sewer infrastructure.
The Township’s sanitary sewer system is not designed to dispose of anything except human waste, toilet paper and wastewater.
Flushing any non-flushable materials down the drains at home can result in:
- damaged or blocked plumbing
- unexpected costs for the homeowner to clean and repair pipes in their home
- increased operation and maintenance costs for the Township to repair pipes or to fix equipment at a wastewater treatment plant
“Flushable” wipes, such as baby wipes, makeup wipes, personal hygiene wipes, and cleaning wipes can not be flushed down the toilet, even if the packaging states that they are flushable or septic system safe.
Besides disposable wipes, there are numerous other household items that should never be flushed down a toilet:
- personal hygiene products
- feminine hygiene products (pads and tampons)
- condoms
- cotton swabs
- dental floss
- paper towels
- fats, oils, grease (from cooking or automotive uses)
- pharmaceuticals
- household hazardous waste
Take a look at the Township’s “Wipes Don’t Belong in Pipes” handout to learn more!