Terminology

Adsorption

adsorption

The attachment of gas, vapour or dissolved matter onto the surface of solid materials.

Aggregate

Aggregates

aggregate

aggregates

A broad category of particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates, and available in various particulate size gradations.

Antecedent dry period

antecedent dry period

Interevent time

interevent time

The period of time between consecutive storms or rainfall events.

Aquifer

Aquifers

aquifer

aquifers

Layer of rock or soil that holds or transmits water.

Asphalt

asphalt

A mixture of mineral aggregates bound with bituminous materials, used in the construction and maintenance of paved surfaces.

Attenuation

attenuation

Reduction of peak flow and increase of the duration of the flow event.

Base flow

base flow

The sustained flow in a channel due to groundwater interaction.

Basin

basin

Basins

basins

Ground depression acting as a flow control and water treatment structure, that is normally dry.

Berm

berm

A compacted earthen wall that diverts runoff or creates shallow ponding of runoff. In some cases, runoff ponds behind the berm and gradually flows through it or is infiltrated.

Biodegradation

biodegradation

Decomposition of organic matter by micro-organisms and other living things.

Biofilter

biofilter

Biofilters

biofilters

A bioretention BMP featuring an impermeable liner and underdrain that prevents infiltration of runoff into the underlying native soil; provides sedimentation and filtration of urban runoff as it passes through the mulch layer, engineered filter media and vegetation root zone.

A bioretention cell that features an impermeable liner that collects and treats stormwater through sedimentation and filtration only (i.e., no infiltration).

Bioretention

bioretention

A shallow excavated surface depression containing prepared filter media, mulch, and planted with selected vegetation.

Bioswale

bioswale

Bioswales

bioswales

Dry swale

dry swale

Dry swales

dry swales

Linear bioretention cell designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff. The engineered filter media soil mixture and vegetation slows the runoff water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone, evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil.

Catchment

catchment

Source area

source area

The land draining to a single reference point (usually a structural BMP); similar to a subwatershed, but on a smaller scale.

Check dam

check dam

Check dams

check dams

Structures constructed of a non-erosive material, such as suitably sized aggregate, wood, gabions, riprap, or concrete; used to slow runoff water. Can be employed in practices such as bioswales and enhanced grass swales.

Cistern

cistern

Cisterns

cisterns

Tank used to store rainwater (typically roof runoff) for later use.

Compost

compost

Decayed organic material used as a plant fertilizer. Compost helps to support healthy plant growth through the slow release of nutrients and the retention of moisture in the soil.

Control structure

control structure

Structure to control the volume or rate of flow of water through or over it.

Conveyance

conveyance

Movement of water from one location to another.

Cultivar

cultivar

A cultivated variety of a plant created by horticultural practice, often closed in large numbers from a similar individual. Cultivar names typically appear after the scientific name of a species, e.g. Prunus virginiana ‘Shubert’.

Depression Storage

depression storage

A technique for incorporating shallow depressed areas into urban landscaped areas for storing and infiltrating runoff. Depression storage areas are small and have limited capacity and limited duration of retention in order to address property owner concerns relating to insects, damage to structures and inconvenience of ponded water on their property.

Detention

detention

The temporary storage of stormwater to control discharge rates, and allow for sedimentation.

Drainage time

drainage time

The period between the maximum water level and the minimum level (dry weather or antecedent level).

Dry pond

dry pond

Infiltration basin

infiltration basin

Depressed storage area, designed to capture flood events.

Evaporation

evaporation

Abiotic transfer of water vapour to the atmosphere.

Evapotranspiration

evapotranspiration

The combined loss of water to the atmosphere from land and water surfaces by evaporation and from plants by transpiration.

Enhanced grass swale

enhanced grass swale

Enhanced swale

enhanced swale

Vegetated open channel, with check dams; designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff.

Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

The evaluation of the possible effects that may arise from a proposed project on the environment, together consisting of the natural, social and economic aspects.

Exfiltration

exfiltration

Loss of water from a drainage system as a result of percolation or absorption into the surrounding medium (e.g., the infiltration of water into the native soil through a perforated pipe wall as it is conveyed).

Filter media

filter media

The engineered soil component of bioretention cell or dry swale designs, typically with a high rate of infiltration and designed to retain contaminants through filtration and adsorption to particles.

Filtration

filtration

The technique of removing pollutants from runoff as it infiltrates through the soil.

Fines

fines

Soil particles with a diameter less than 0.050 mm.

First flush

first flush

Initial pulse of stormwater runoff which picks up the pollutants that have settled on surfaces during the dry period. The first flush contains the highest pollutant concentrations.

Forebay

forebay

A pretreatment basin at the inlet of a practice that allow settling out of sediment and associated contaminants suspended in urban runoff.

Flow path length

The minimum linear distance of water flow across a surface.

Fluvial geomorphology

fluvial geomorphology

The study of the processes responsible for the shape and form, or morphology, of watercourses; describes the processes whereby sediment (e.g., silt, sand, gravel) and water are transported from the headwaters of a watershed to its mouth.

Fused grid

fused grid

A hybrid neighbourhood and district layout model that combines the geometries of inner city grid road patterns with the loop and cul-de-sac road patterns of conventional suburbs.

Geotextile

geotextile

Filter fabric that is installed to separate dissimilar soils and provide runoff filtration and contaminant removal benefits while maintaining a suitable rate of flow; may be used to prevent fine-textured soil from entering a coarse granular bed, or to prevent coarse granular from being compressed into underlying finer-textured soils.

Granular

granular

Gravel, or crushed stone of various size gradations (i.e., diameter), used in construction; void forming material used as bedding and runoff storage reservoirs and underdrains in stormwater infiltration practices.

Grass swales

Grass swale

grass swales

grass swale

Vegetated, open channels designed to convey, treat and attenuate runoff. Design variations range from simple grass channels, which are designed primarily for conveyance to more complex treatment and volume reduction designs like enhanced grass swales, and dry swales or bioswales.

Gravel diaphragm

gravel diaphragm

A level spreading device placed at a runoff discharge location, perpendicular to flow, to maintain sheet flow and distribute runoff as evenly as possible across a pervious area or stormwater infiltration practice. A gravel diaphragm acts as a pretreatment device, settling out suspended sediments before they reach the practice.

Green roof

green roof

A thin layer of vegetation and growing medium installed on top of a conventional flat or sloped roof, also referred to as living roofs or rooftop gardens.

Green infrastructure

green infrastructure

Natural vegetation and vegetative technologies in urban settings such as: urban forests; green roofs; green walls; green spaces; rain gardens; bioswales; community gardens; natural and engineered wetlands and stormwater management ponds; and porous pavement systems. These systems are designed to provide multiple benefits, such as moderate temperatures, clean air and water, and improve aesthetics.

Groundwater discharge

groundwater discharge

The outflow of groundwater to a well, spring, wetland or watercourse.

Groundwater recharge

groundwater recharge

The inflow of surface water to a groundwater reservoir or aquifer.

Hydraulic conductivity

hydraulic conductivity

A parameter that describes the capability of a medium to transmit water.

Hydrologic cycle

hydrologic cycle

The circulation of water from the atmosphere to the earth and back, through precipitation, runoff, infiltration, groundwater flow and evapotranspiration.

Hydrologic regime

hydrologic regime

The characteristic pattern of precipitation, runoff, infiltration and evaporation affecting the hydrology of a system.

Hydrologic soil groups

hydrologic soil groups

A soil classification system based on the ability to convey and store water; divided into four groups: A,B,C,D

Impervious

impervious

A hard surface area (e.g., road, parking area or rooftop) that prevents or retards the infiltration of water into the soil.

Infiltration

infiltration

Penetration of water through the ground surface.

Inline

inline

Refers to a system that accepts all of the flow from a drainage area and conveys larger event flows through an overflow outlet.

Introduced species

introduced species

Plant species (or non-native species) are those that do not naturally or historically occur in a particular area.

Interception

interception

The interception, storage and eventual evaporation of rainfall from vegetation canopies.

Invasive plants

invasive plants

Typically non-native plants that out-compete native species. These species lack natural predators, grow aggressively and reproduce rapidly and can be problematic in the natural environment.

I/P ratio

The ratio of the catchment (impervious area) to the footprint area of the receiving BMP (pervious area).

Landform

landform

The natural features of the landscape, dictates flow patterns, runoff velocities and discharge rates.

Landscape-based approach

landscape-based approach

The principle that development form, servicing and stormwater management strategies should be defined by the biophysical, hydrological and ecological attributes of the landscape.

Loading

loading

The net amount of something (e.g. chemical, such as phosphorus), calculated as the product of concentration and volume in a given time. Some BMPs significantly reduce loading of pollutants to the environment by reducing volume more so than concentration.

Lot level

lot level

The treatment of urban runoff as close to the source area as possible through application of small scale stormwater management practices on individual properties that are linked to downstream conveyance and end-of-pipe practices.

Low impact development

low impact development

Low Impact Development

A stormwater management strategy that seeks to mitigate the impacts of increased urban runoff and stormwater pollution by managing it as close to its source as possible. It comprises a set of site design approaches and small scale stormwater management practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration and evapotranspiration, and rainwater harvesting.

Master Environmental Servicing Plan

MESP

Is a community-scale planning assessment of servicing and environmental considerations for a development project.

Mulch

mulch

a top dressing over vegetation beds that provides suppresses weeds and helps retain soil moisture in bioretention cells, stormwater planters and dry swales.

Native plants

native plants

Native vegetation

native vegetation

Defined as those plants (including grasses, herbaceous species, shrubs, vines and trees) that have historically existed within a particular area. Native plants have co-evolved with the local ecosystems and natural processes.

Native soil

native soil

The natural ground material characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin.

Offline

offline

Refers to a system that when full, stormwater will bypass the practice. Offline systems use flow splitters or bypass channels that only allow the water quality volume to enter the facility. This may be achieved with a pipe, weir, or curb opening sized for the target flow, but in conjunction, create a bypass channel so that higher flows do not pass over the surface of the filter bed.

Permeable pavement

permeable pavement

Permeable paving

permeable paving

An alternative practice to traditional impervious pavement, prevents the generation of runoff by allowing precipitation falling on the surface to infiltrate through the surface course into an underlying stone reservoir and, where suitable conditions exist, into the native soil.

Physiography

physiography

The physical features of the land, including topography, morphology and geologic origin. The physical feature of the land has an influence on the surface water movement and the interactions between surface water and groundwater.

Pollution hot spot

pollution hot spot

Areas where certain land uses or activities have the potential to generate highly contaminated runoff (e.g., vehicle fuelling, service or demolition areas, outdoor storage and handling areas for hazardous materials and some heavy industry sites).

Pollutant load

pollutant load

Loading

loading

The total mass of a pollutant entering a waterbody over a defined time period.

Pre-development

pre-development

refers to the characteristics and functions of a system prior to urban development.

Pretreatment

pretreatment

Initial capturing and removal of unwanted contaminants, such as debris, sediment, leaves and pollutants, from stormwater before reaching a best management practice; Examples include, settling forebays, vegetated filter strips and gravel diaphragms.

Rain garden

rain garden

A lot level bioretention cell designed to receive and detain, infiltrate and filter runoff, typically used for discharge from downspouts.

Rainwater harvesting

rainwater harvesting

The practice of intercepting, conveying and storing rainwater for future use. Captured rainwater is typically used for outdoor non-potable water uses such as irrigation, or in the building to flush toilets.

Recharge

recharge

The infiltration and movement of surface water into the soil, past the vegetation root zone, to the zone of saturation or water table.

Riparian

riparian

A vegetated ecosystem alongside a waterbody, characteristically have a high water table and are subject to periodic flooding.

Runoff

runoff

Water from rain, snow melt, or irrigation that flows over the land surface.

Sedimentation

sedimentation

Settling-out or deposition of particulate matter suspended in runoff.

Soakaway

soakaway

An excavated area lined with geotextile filter cloth and filled with clean granular stone or other void forming material, that receives runoff and allow it to infiltrate into the native soil; can also be referred to as infiltration galleries, French drains, dry wells or soakaway pits.

Soil amendment

soil amendment

The practice of adding organic material, such as mulch or compost to topsoil to improve fertility, and tilling of the native soils to reverse compaction and restore its water retaining capacity.

Standing water

standing water

Water ponded on the ground surface.

Stone reservoir

stone reservoir

An underlying aggregate material bed that temporarily stores stormwater before infiltrating into the native soil or being conveyed by an underdrain pipe.

Stormwater planter

stormwater planter

A vegetated practice that collects and treats stormwater through sedimentation and filtration. Contributions to water cycle/water balance are through evapotranspiration only; no infiltration.

Stream channel

stream channel

A natural waterway, formed by fluvial processes, that conveys running water.

TN

Total nitrogen

TP

Total phosphorus

TSS

Total suspended solids

Time of concentration

time of concentration

The time needed for a drop of water to reach the outlet of a catchment from the most remote location within the catchment.

Treatment train

treatment train

A combination of lot level, conveyance, and end-of-pipe stormwater management practices.

Underdrain

underdrain

A perforated pipe used to assist the draining of soils.

Urbanization

urbanization

The changing of land cover and land uses from rural to urban; the growth of urban settlements.

Vegetated filter strip

vegetated filter strip

filter strip

Filter strip

Buffer strip

buffer strip

a gently sloping, densely vegetated areas that treat runoff as sheet flow from adjacent impervious areas. They function by slowing runoff velocity and filtering out suspended sediment and associated pollutants, and by providing some infiltration into underlying soils.

Water balance

water balance

The accounting of inflow and outflow of water in a system according to the components of the hydrologic cycle.

Water cycle

water cycle

The continuous movement of water from the oceans to the atmosphere (by evaporation), from the atmosphere to the land by condensation and precipitation, and from the land back to the sea (via groundwater and stream flow); also referred to as hydrologic cycle.

Water budget

water budget

The mathematical expression of the water balance.

Water quality volume

water quality volume

The amount of stormwater runoff from a given area required to be retained by stormwater management practices to reduce pollutant load to an acceptable level.

Water table

water table

Subsurface water level which is defined by the level below which all the spaces in the soil are filled with water; The entire region below the water table is called the saturated zone.

Watershed

watershed

An area of land that drains into a river or a lake. The boundary of a watershed is based on the elevation (natural contours) of a landscape.

Arterial Road A road primarily for through traffic. Base Flow The portion of stream flow that is not due to storm runoff and is supported by groundwater seepage into a channel. BMP or Best Management Practices State of the art methods or techniques used to manage the quantity and improve the quality of wet weather flow. BMPs include Source, Conveyance and End-Of-Pipe Controls. Catchbasin Box like underground concrete structure with openings in curb and gutter designed to collect runoff from streets and pavement. City The City of Toronto Clay (SOILS) 1. A mineral soil separate consisting of particles less than 0.002 millimeter in equivalent diameter. 2. A soil texture class. 3. (Engineering) A fine-grained soil (more than 50 percent passing the No. 200 Sieve) that has a high plasticity index in relation to the liquid limit. (Unified Soil Classification System). Collector Road A road on which traffic movement and access to property have similar importance. Combined Sewer A wastewater collection system, which conveys sanitary wastewater (domestic, commercial and industrial wastewaters) and Stormwater runoff through a single-pipe system to a treatment works. CSO or Combined Sewer Overflow A discharge to the environment from a Combined Sewer system that occurs because of a precipitation event when the capacity of the interceptor sewer or treatment plant is exceeded. It consists of a mixture of sanitary wastewater and Stormwater runoff. Conveyance Control A structural best management practice thatis located within the drainage system where flows are concentrated and are being conveyed along corridor. Conveyance controls include but are not limited to pervious pipes, roadside ditches, and other similar systems. Ditch A long narrow trench or furrow dug in the ground, as for irrigation, drainage, or a boundary line. Drainage Natural or artificial means of intercepting and removing surface or subsurface water (usually by gravity). Drainage Area The total surface area upstream of a point on a stream that drains toward that point. Not to be confused with watershed. The drainage area may include one or more watersheds. Drainage System A system flow of gully inlets, pipes, overland flow paths, open channels, culverts and detention basins used to convey runoff to its receiving waters. City of Toronto 45 Wet Weather Flow Management November 2006

Dry Weather flow Sewage flow resulting from both sanitary wastewater (combined input of industrial, domestic and commercial flows); and infiltration and inflows from foundation drains or other drains occurring during periods with an absence of rainfall or snowmelt. E. Coli Bacteria A strain of bacteria found in the gut and waste products of animals. Some strains of this bacterium can be harmful to humans or animals if consumed. Food or water can become contaminated with E.Coli where unsanitary conditions exist. Ecosystem A biological community, including humans and their natural environment. End-of-pipe Control A structural best management practice that is located at the end of a flow conveyance route. End-of-Pipe Controls on surface and below ground but are not limited to wet ponds, constructed wetlands and other similar systems. Enhancement Emphasis on improving the value of particular aspects of water and related land resources. Environment Refers to the conditions in which an organism lives and survives or the conditions in which an organism resides. These conditions can be described as aspects of a “physical”, “social” or an “economic” environment, depending on the perspective perceived by the observer. Erosion (1) The wearing away of the land surface by moving water, wind, ice or other geological agents, including such processes as gravitation creep; (2) Detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice or gravity (i.e. Accelerated, geological, gully, natural, rill, sheet, splash, or impact, etc). Erosion Control Includes the protection of soil from dislocation by water, wind or other agents. Evapotranspiration (ET) The quantity of water transpired (given off). Retained in plant tissues, and evaporated from plant tissues and surrounding soil surfaces. Quantitatively it is s usually expressed in terms of depth of water per unit area during a specified period. Exfiltration The downward movement of water through the soil, the downward flow of runoff from the bottom of an infiltration BMP into the soil. Extended Detention A stormwater design features that provides for the gradual release of a volume of water in order to increase settling of pollutants and protect downstream channels from frequent storm events. First Flush The delivery of a disproportionately large load of pollutants during the early part of storms due to the rapid runoff of accumulated pollutants. The first flush of runoff has been defined several ways (e.g., one half inch per impervious City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management November 2006 46

area). Floodplain (100-year) The area adjacent to a stream that is on average inundated once a century General Manager The person appointed by the City from time to time as the General Manager of Toronto Water and his or her successors or his or her duly authorized representative. Geomorphology A branch of both physiography and geology that deals with the form of the earth, the general configuration of its surface, and the changes that take place due to erosion of the primary elements and the buildup of erosional debris. Groundwater The water below the surface, and typically below the groundwater table. Groundwater Recharge Increases in groundwater storage by natural conditions or by human activity. See also artificial recharge Groundwater Table The upper surface of the zone of saturation, except where the surface is formed by an impermeable body. Headwater Referring to the source of a stream or river. Hierarchical Approach Implementation of Wet Weather Flow measures following hierarchical approach in the following order: Source Control measures, Conveyance Control measure and End of Pipe treatment to achieve the water quality and water balance target for lot level development of the preferred strategy. In some guidance documents for Stormwater quality management, this is also known as the treatment train approach. Hydrologic Cycle Also called the water cycle, this is the process of water evaporating condensing, falling to the ground as precipitation and returning to the ocean as run-off. Hydrological Relating to the properties, distribution and effects of water on and below the earth’s surface, and in the atmosphere. Infiltration The slow movement of water into or through a soil or drainage system. Infiltration Rate The rate at which stormwater percolates into the subsoil measured in inches per hour. I/I (Infiltration/Inflow Inflow and/or infiltration of water into a sewer. Irrigation Human application of water to agricultural or recreational land for watering purposes. City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management November 2006 47

Local Road A road primarily for access to property. Low Impact Development Low impact development is a stormwater management and land development strategy applied at the parcel and subdivision scale that emphasizes conservation and use of on-site natural features integrated with engineered, small scale hydrologic controls to more closely mimic pre-development hydrologic functions. Major Drainage System That storm drainage system which carries the total runoff of the drainage system less the runoff carried by the minor system (storm sewer). The major system will function whether or not it has been planned and designed, and whether or not developments are situated wisely with respect to it. The Major Drainage System usually includes many features such as streets, gullies, and major drainage channels. Minor Drainage System That storm drainage system which is frequently used for collecting, transporting, and disposing of snowmelt, miscellaneous minor flows, and storm runoff up to the capacity of the system. The capacity should be equal to the maximum rate of runoff to be expected from the minor design storm which may have a frequency of occurrence of one in 2, or 5 years. The minor system may include many features ranging from curbs and gutters to storm sewer pipes and open drainage ways. Natural Systems Solutions Projects following the philosophy in which terrestrial and aquatic vegetation provides the ability to cleanse water of its contaminants. Official Plan The adopted Official Plan of the City of Toronto. Oil/Grit Separator (OGS) Systems designed to remove trash, debris and some amount of sediment, oil and grease from stormwater runoff based on the principles of sedimentation for the grit and phase separation for the oil. Outfall The point, location, or structure where wastewater or drainage discharges from a sewer pipe, ditch or other conveyance to a receiving body of water. Overland Flow Path Open space floodway channels, road reserves, pavement expanses and other flow paths that convey flows typically in excess of the capacity of the Minor Drainage System. Peak Discharge The greatest volume of stream flow occurring during a storm event. Permeable Soil or other material that allows the infiltration or passage of water or other liquids. Pollutant (1) Something that pollutes, especially a waste material that contaminate air, soil, or water. (2) Any solute or cause of change in physical, chemical or biological properties that render water unfit for a given use.City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management November 2006 48

Pond A body of water smaller than a lake, often artificially formed. Precipitation Any form of rain or snow. Private Property Land owned by private individuals or companies. Public Property Land owned by the City Toronto or any other level of government or public agency (such as Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Toronto Transit Commission, school boards). Rainfall Intensity The rate of rainfall in millimeters per hour. Recharge The addition of water to ground water by natural or artificial processes. Receiving Waters Watercourses and Lake Ontario, to which Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows discharge. Riparian Areas Areas adjacent to a watercourse that are saturated by groundwater or intermittently inundated by surface water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support the growth of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil. Runoff That potion of the water precipitated onto a catchment area, which flows as surface discharge from the catchment area past a specified point. Sand Natural mineral particles which are smaller than 2 mm, and which are free of appreciable quantities of clay and silt. Coarse sand usually designates sand grains with particle size between 0.2 and 0.02 mm. Sediments Soil, sand and minerals washed from land into water, usually after rain. They pile up in reservoirs, rivers and harbors, destroying fish-nesting areas and holes of water animals and cloud the water so that needed sunlight might not reach aquatic plans. Careless farming, mining and building activities will expose sediment materials, allowing them to be washed off the land after rainfalls. Sedimentation Sewage Deposition of material of varying size, both mineral and organic away from its site of origin by the action of water, wind, gravity or ice. The liquid waste from domestic, commercial and industrial establishments. City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management Guidelines November 2006 49

Silt Substrate particles smaller than sand and larger than clay (3 to 60 m) Soakaway Pit A pit into which liquids may flow and then percolate slowly into the subsoil. Source Control A practice or structural measure that is usually implemented at the beginning of a drainage system or at the lot level, to reduce the volume of runoff and minimize the concentration of pollution in overland flow from private property and prevent pollutants from entering Stormwater runoff or other environmental media, as described by the Ministry of Environment. Stakeholder Any person, agency or group who has a direct interest in the purpose of a proposed undertaking. Stormwater Surface runoff resulting from rain or snowmelt events. Stormwater Wetlands Shallow, constructed pools that capture stormwater and allow for the growth of characteristic wetland vegetation. Subwatershed The drainage area of one or more contributing watercourses to a river. Subwatershed Plan The result of a study undertaken within the drainage area of one or more watercourses of a specific river following the guidance presented in the MOE Stormwater Management Planning and Design Manual (i.e. Humber Creek subwatershed within the Humber River Watershed). Swale A shallow constructed channel, often grass-lined, which is used as an alternative to curb and channel, or as a pretreatment to other measures. Swales are generally characterized by a broad top width to depth ratio and gentle grades.

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

The total amount of particulate matter that is suspended in the water column.

Unit Response Function (URF)

Represents the hydrologic response and water quality response of the area to a pre-determined series of meteorological inputs.

UV Disinfection

UV disinfection

A process of disinfecting that involves subjecting the item, object, or instrument to ultraviolet radiation.

Watercourse

watercourse

(a) A natural well-defined channel produced wholly or in part by a definite flow of water and through which water flows continuously or intermittently. Also, a ditch, canal, aqueduct, or other artificial channel for the conveyance of water to or away from a given place, as for the draining of a swamp. (b) A stream or current of water. Legally, a natural stream arising in a given drainage basin but not wholly dependent for its flow on surface drainage in its immediate area, flowing in a channel with a well-defined bed between visible banks or through a definite depression (as a ravine or swamp) in the surrounding land, having a definite and permanent periodic supply of water (the stream may be intermittent), and usually, but not necessarily having a perceptible current in a particular direction and discharging at affixed point into another body of water. (c) A legal right permitting the use of a flow of a stream (especially of one flowing through one’s land) or the receipt of water discharged upon land belonging to another.

Water Conservation

water conservation

Reduction in applied water due to more efficient water use such as implementation of Urban Best Management Practices or Agricultural Efficient Water Management Practices. The extent to which these actions actually create a savings in water supply depends on how they affect net water use and depletion.

Watershed

watershed

The drainage area of a river.

Watershed Plan

watershed plan

The result of a study undertaken within the drainage area of a specific river following the guidance presented in the MOE Stormwater Management Planning and Design Manual (i.e. Humber River Watershed).

Wetland A vegetated area such as a bog, fen, marsh, or swamp, where the soil or root zone is saturated for part of the year.

Wet Weather Flow

wet weather flow

Stormwater runoff generated by either rainfall or snowmelt or flow resulting from sanitary wastewater that enters the combined sewer system; infiltration and inflows from foundation drains or other drains are resulting from rainfall or snowmelt.

The attachment of gas, vapour or dissolved matter onto the surface of solid materials.

The attachment of gas, vapour or dissolved matter onto the surface of solid materials.

A broad category of particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates, and available in various particulate size gradations.

A broad category of particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates, and available in various particulate size gradations.

A broad category of particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates, and available in various particulate size gradations.

A broad category of particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates, and available in various particulate size gradations.

Mineral particles which are smaller than 2 mm, and which are free of appreciable quantities of clay and silt. Coarse sand usually designates sand grains with particle size between 0.2 and 0.02 mm.

The period of time between consecutive storms or rainfall events.

The period of time between consecutive storms or rainfall events.

The period of time between consecutive storms or rainfall events.

The period of time between consecutive storms or rainfall events.

Layer of rock or soil that holds or transmits water.

Layer of rock or soil that holds or transmits water.

Layer of rock or soil that holds or transmits water.

Layer of rock or soil that holds or transmits water.

A mixture of mineral aggregates bound with bituminous materials, used in the construction and maintenance of paved surfaces.

A mixture of mineral aggregates bound with bituminous materials, used in the construction and maintenance of paved surfaces.

Reduction of peak flow and increase of the duration of the flow event.

Reduction of peak flow and increase of the duration of the flow event.

The sustained flow in a channel not from storm runoff, instead arising from groundwater interaction.

The sustained flow in a channel not from storm runoff, instead arising from groundwater interaction.

Ground depression acting as a flow control and water treatment structure, that is normally dry.

Ground depression acting as a flow control and water treatment structure, that is normally dry.

Ground depression acting as a flow control and water treatment structure, that is normally dry.

Ground depression acting as a flow control and water treatment structure, that is normally dry.

A compacted earthen wall that diverts runoff or creates shallow ponding of runoff. In some cases, runoff ponds behind the berm and gradually flows through it or is infiltrated.

A compacted earthen wall that diverts runoff or creates shallow ponding of runoff. In some cases, runoff ponds behind the berm and gradually flows through it or is infiltrated.

The portion of water precipitated onto a catchment area, which then flows as surface discharge from the catchment area past a specified point.

Water from rain, snow melt, or irrigation that flows over the land surface.

Decomposition of organic matter by micro-organisms and other living things.

Decomposition of organic matter by micro-organisms and other living things.

A bioretention BMP featuring an impermeable liner and underdrain that prevents infiltration of runoff into the underlying native soil; provides sedimentation and filtration of urban runoff as it passes through the mulch layer, engineered filter media and vegetation root zone.

A bioretention cell that features an impermeable liner that collects and treats stormwater through sedimentation and filtration only (i.e., no infiltration).

A bioretention BMP featuring an impermeable liner and underdrain that prevents infiltration of runoff into the underlying native soil; provides sedimentation and filtration of urban runoff as it passes through the mulch layer, engineered filter media and vegetation root zone.

A bioretention cell that features an impermeable liner that collects and treats stormwater through sedimentation and filtration only (i.e., no infiltration).

A bioretention BMP featuring an impermeable liner and underdrain that prevents infiltration of runoff into the underlying native soil; provides sedimentation and filtration of urban runoff as it passes through the mulch layer, engineered filter media and vegetation root zone.

A bioretention cell that features an impermeable liner that collects and treats stormwater through sedimentation and filtration only (i.e., no infiltration).

A bioretention BMP featuring an impermeable liner and underdrain that prevents infiltration of runoff into the underlying native soil; provides sedimentation and filtration of urban runoff as it passes through the mulch layer, engineered filter media and vegetation root zone.

A bioretention cell that features an impermeable liner that collects and treats stormwater through sedimentation and filtration only (i.e., no infiltration).

A shallow excavated surface depression containing prepared filter media, mulch, and planted with selected vegetation.

Best management practice. State of the art methods or techniques used to manage the quantity and improve the quality of wet weather flow. BMPs include: source, conveyance and end-of-pipe controls.

A perforated pipe used to assist the draining of soils.

The natural ground material characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin.

Deposition of material of varying size, both mineral and organic away from its site of origin by the action of water, wind, gravity or ice.

Settling-out or deposition of particulate matter suspended in runoff.

The technique of removing pollutants from runoff as it infiltrates through the soil.

a top dressing over vegetation beds that provides suppresses weeds and helps retain soil moisture in bioretention cells, stormwater planters and dry swales.

The engineered soil component of bioretention cell or dry swale designs, typically with a high rate of infiltration and designed to retain contaminants through filtration and adsorption to particles.

The slow movement of water into or through a soil or drainage system.

Penetration of water through the ground surface.

A shallow excavated surface depression containing prepared filter media, mulch, and planted with selected vegetation.

Linear bioretention cell designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff. The engineered filter media soil mixture and vegetation slows the runoff water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone, evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil.

Linear bioretention cell designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff. The engineered filter media soil mixture and vegetation slows the runoff water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone, evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil.

Linear bioretention cell designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff. The engineered filter media soil mixture and vegetation slows the runoff water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone, evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil.

Linear bioretention cell designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff. The engineered filter media soil mixture and vegetation slows the runoff water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone, evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil.

Linear bioretention cell designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff. The engineered filter media soil mixture and vegetation slows the runoff water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone, evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil.

Linear bioretention cell designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff. The engineered filter media soil mixture and vegetation slows the runoff water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone, evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil.

Linear bioretention cell designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff. The engineered filter media soil mixture and vegetation slows the runoff water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone, evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil.

Linear bioretention cell designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff. The engineered filter media soil mixture and vegetation slows the runoff water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone, evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil.

The quantity of water transpired (given off). Retained in plant tissues, and evaporated from plant tissues and surrounding soil surfaces. Quantitatively it is usually expressed in terms of depth of water per unit area during a specified period. e.g. mm/day

The combined loss of water to the atmosphere from land and water surfaces by evaporation and from plants by transpiration.

The land draining to a single reference point (usually a structural BMP); similar to a subwatershed, but on a smaller scale.

The land draining to a single reference point (usually a structural BMP); similar to a subwatershed, but on a smaller scale.

The land draining to a single reference point (usually a structural BMP); similar to a subwatershed, but on a smaller scale.

The land draining to a single reference point (usually a structural BMP); similar to a subwatershed, but on a smaller scale.

The drainage area of one or more contributing watercourses to a river.

Structures constructed of a non-erosive material, such as suitably sized aggregate, wood, gabions, riprap, or concrete; used to slow runoff water. Can be employed in practices such as bioswales and enhanced grass swales.

Structures constructed of a non-erosive material, such as suitably sized aggregate, wood, gabions, riprap, or concrete; used to slow runoff water. Can be employed in practices such as bioswales and enhanced grass swales.

Structures constructed of a non-erosive material, such as suitably sized aggregate, wood, gabions, riprap, or concrete; used to slow runoff water. Can be employed in practices such as bioswales and enhanced grass swales.

Structures constructed of a non-erosive material, such as suitably sized aggregate, wood, gabions, riprap, or concrete; used to slow runoff water. Can be employed in practices such as bioswales and enhanced grass swales.

A shallow constructed channel, often grass-lined, which is used as an alternative to curb and channel, or as a pretreatment to other measures. Swales are generally characterized by a broad top width to depth ratio and gentle grades.

Vegetated, open channels designed to convey, treat and attenuate runoff. Design variations range from simple grass channels, which are designed primarily for conveyance to more complex treatment and volume reduction designs like enhanced grass swales, and dry swales or bioswales.

Tank used to store rainwater (typically roof runoff) for later use.

Tank used to store rainwater (typically roof runoff) for later use.

Tank used to store rainwater (typically roof runoff) for later use.

Tank used to store rainwater (typically roof runoff) for later use.

Decayed organic material used as a plant fertilizer. Compost helps to support healthy plant growth through the slow release of nutrients and the retention of moisture in the soil.

Decayed organic material used as a plant fertilizer. Compost helps to support healthy plant growth through the slow release of nutrients and the retention of moisture in the soil.

Structure to control the volume or rate of flow of water through or over it.

Structure to control the volume or rate of flow of water through or over it.

Movement of water from one location to another.

Movement of water from one location to another.

A cultivated variety of a plant created by horticultural practice, often closed in large numbers from a similar individual. Cultivar names typically appear after the scientific name of a species, e.g. Prunus virginiana ‘Shubert’.

A cultivated variety of a plant created by horticultural practice, often closed in large numbers from a similar individual. Cultivar names typically appear after the scientific name of a species, e.g. Prunus virginiana ‘Shubert’.

A technique for incorporating shallow depressed areas into urban landscaped areas for storing and infiltrating runoff. Depression storage areas are small and have limited capacity and limited duration of retention in order to address property owner concerns relating to insects, damage to structures and inconvenience of ponded water on their property.

A technique for incorporating shallow depressed areas into urban landscaped areas for storing and infiltrating runoff. Depression storage areas are small and have limited capacity and limited duration of retention in order to address property owner concerns relating to insects, damage to structures and inconvenience of ponded water on their property.

The temporary storage of stormwater to control discharge rates, and allow for sedimentation.

The temporary storage of stormwater to control discharge rates, and allow for sedimentation.

The period between the maximum water level and the minimum level (dry weather or antecedent level).

The period between the maximum water level and the minimum level (dry weather or antecedent level).

Depressed storage area, designed to capture flood events.

Depressed storage area, designed to capture flood events.

Depressed storage area, designed to capture flood events.

Depressed storage area, designed to capture flood events.

Abiotic transfer of water vapour to the atmosphere.

Abiotic transfer of water vapour to the atmosphere.

The quantity of water transpired (given off). Retained in plant tissues, and evaporated from plant tissues and surrounding soil surfaces. Quantitatively it is usually expressed in terms of depth of water per unit area during a specified period. e.g. mm/day

The combined loss of water to the atmosphere from land and water surfaces by evaporation and from plants by transpiration.

Vegetated open channel, with check dams; designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff.

Vegetated open channel, with check dams; designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff.

Vegetated open channel, with check dams; designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff.

Vegetated open channel, with check dams; designed to convey, treat and attenuate stormwater runoff.

The evaluation of the possible effects that may arise from a proposed project on the environment, together consisting of the natural, social and economic aspects.

Refers to the conditions in which an organism lives and survives or the conditions in which an organism resides. These conditions can be described as aspects of a “physical”, “social” or an “economic” environment, depending on the perspective perceived by the observer.

The downward movement of water through the soil, the downward flow of runoff from the bottom of an infiltration BMP into the soil.

Loss of water from a drainage system as a result of percolation or absorption into the surrounding medium (e.g., the infiltration of water into the native soil through a perforated pipe wall as it is conveyed).

The downward movement of water through the soil, the downward flow of runoff from the bottom of an infiltration BMP into the soil.

Loss of water from a drainage system as a result of percolation or absorption into the surrounding medium (e.g., the infiltration of water into the native soil through a perforated pipe wall as it is conveyed).

A system flow of gully inlets, pipes, overland flow paths, open channels, culverts and detention basins used to convey runoff to its receiving waters. City of Toronto 45 Wet Weather Flow Management November 2006

The engineered soil component of bioretention cell or dry swale designs, typically with a high rate of infiltration and designed to retain contaminants through filtration and adsorption to particles.

The technique of removing pollutants from runoff as it infiltrates through the soil.

Soil particles with a diameter less than 0.050 mm.

Soil particles with a diameter less than 0.050 mm.

The delivery of a disproportionately large load of pollutants during the early part of storms due to the rapid runoff of accumulated pollutants. The first flush of runoff has been defined several ways (e.g., 10 mm per impervious area).

Initial pulse of stormwater runoff which picks up the pollutants that have settled on surfaces during the dry period. The first flush contains the highest pollutant concentrations.

The delivery of a disproportionately large load of pollutants during the early part of storms due to the rapid runoff of accumulated pollutants. The first flush of runoff has been defined several ways (e.g., 10 mm per impervious area).

Initial pulse of stormwater runoff which picks up the pollutants that have settled on surfaces during the dry period. The first flush contains the highest pollutant concentrations.

A pretreatment basin at the inlet of a practice that allow settling out of sediment and associated contaminants suspended in urban runoff.

A pretreatment basin at the inlet of a practice that allow settling out of sediment and associated contaminants suspended in urban runoff.

Initial capturing and removal of unwanted contaminants, such as debris, sediment, leaves and pollutants, from stormwater before reaching a best management practice; Examples include, settling forebays, vegetated filter strips and gravel diaphragms.

Soil, sand and minerals washed from land into water, usually after rain. They pile up in reservoirs, rivers and harbors, destroying fish-nesting areas and holes of water animals and cloud the water so that needed sunlight might not reach aquatic plans. Careless farming, mining and building activities will expose sediment materials, allowing them to be washed off the land after rainfalls.

The minimum linear distance of water flow across a surface.

The study of the processes responsible for the shape and form, or morphology, of watercourses; describes the processes whereby sediment (e.g., silt, sand, gravel) and water are transported from the headwaters of a watershed to its mouth.

The study of the processes responsible for the shape and form, or morphology, of watercourses; describes the processes whereby sediment (e.g., silt, sand, gravel) and water are transported from the headwaters of a watershed to its mouth.

Soil or media particles smaller than sand and larger than clay (3 to 60 m)

A hybrid neighbourhood and district layout model that combines the geometries of inner city grid road patterns with the loop and cul-de-sac road patterns of conventional suburbs.

A hybrid neighbourhood and district layout model that combines the geometries of inner city grid road patterns with the loop and cul-de-sac road patterns of conventional suburbs.

Filter fabric that is installed to separate dissimilar soils and provide runoff filtration and contaminant removal benefits while maintaining a suitable rate of flow; may be used to prevent fine-textured soil from entering a coarse granular bed, or to prevent coarse granular from being compressed into underlying finer-textured soils.

Filter fabric that is installed to separate dissimilar soils and provide runoff filtration and contaminant removal benefits while maintaining a suitable rate of flow; may be used to prevent fine-textured soil from entering a coarse granular bed, or to prevent coarse granular from being compressed into underlying finer-textured soils.

Gravel, or crushed stone of various size gradations (i.e., diameter), used in construction; void forming material used as bedding and runoff storage reservoirs and underdrains in stormwater infiltration practices.

Gravel, or crushed stone of various size gradations (i.e., diameter), used in construction; void forming material used as bedding and runoff storage reservoirs and underdrains in stormwater infiltration practices.

A shallow constructed channel, often grass-lined, which is used as an alternative to curb and channel, or as a pretreatment to other measures. Swales are generally characterized by a broad top width to depth ratio and gentle grades.

Vegetated, open channels designed to convey, treat and attenuate runoff. Design variations range from simple grass channels, which are designed primarily for conveyance to more complex treatment and volume reduction designs like enhanced grass swales, and dry swales or bioswales.

A shallow constructed channel, often grass-lined, which is used as an alternative to curb and channel, or as a pretreatment to other measures. Swales are generally characterized by a broad top width to depth ratio and gentle grades.

Vegetated, open channels designed to convey, treat and attenuate runoff. Design variations range from simple grass channels, which are designed primarily for conveyance to more complex treatment and volume reduction designs like enhanced grass swales, and dry swales or bioswales.

A shallow constructed channel, often grass-lined, which is used as an alternative to curb and channel, or as a pretreatment to other measures. Swales are generally characterized by a broad top width to depth ratio and gentle grades.

Vegetated, open channels designed to convey, treat and attenuate runoff. Design variations range from simple grass channels, which are designed primarily for conveyance to more complex treatment and volume reduction designs like enhanced grass swales, and dry swales or bioswales.

A level spreading device placed at a runoff discharge location, perpendicular to flow, to maintain sheet flow and distribute runoff as evenly as possible across a pervious area or stormwater infiltration practice. A gravel diaphragm acts as a pretreatment device, settling out suspended sediments before they reach the practice.

A level spreading device placed at a runoff discharge location, perpendicular to flow, to maintain sheet flow and distribute runoff as evenly as possible across a pervious area or stormwater infiltration practice. A gravel diaphragm acts as a pretreatment device, settling out suspended sediments before they reach the practice.

Soil, sand and minerals washed from land into water, usually after rain. They pile up in reservoirs, rivers and harbors, destroying fish-nesting areas and holes of water animals and cloud the water so that needed sunlight might not reach aquatic plans. Careless farming, mining and building activities will expose sediment materials, allowing them to be washed off the land after rainfalls.

A thin layer of vegetation and growing medium installed on top of a conventional flat or sloped roof, also referred to as living roofs or rooftop gardens.

A thin layer of vegetation and growing medium installed on top of a conventional flat or sloped roof, also referred to as living roofs or rooftop gardens.

Natural vegetation and vegetative technologies in urban settings such as: urban forests; green roofs; green walls; green spaces; rain gardens; bioswales; community gardens; natural and engineered wetlands and stormwater management ponds; and porous pavement systems. These systems are designed to provide multiple benefits, such as moderate temperatures, clean air and water, and improve aesthetics.

Natural vegetation and vegetative technologies in urban settings such as: urban forests; green roofs; green walls; green spaces; rain gardens; bioswales; community gardens; natural and engineered wetlands and stormwater management ponds; and porous pavement systems. These systems are designed to provide multiple benefits, such as moderate temperatures, clean air and water, and improve aesthetics.

The outflow of groundwater to a well, spring, wetland or watercourse.

The outflow of groundwater to a well, spring, wetland or watercourse.

A vegetated area such as a bog, fen, marsh, or swamp, where the soil or root zone is saturated for part of the year.

(a) A natural well-defined channel produced wholly or in part by a definite flow of water and through which water flows continuously or intermittently. Also, a ditch, canal, aqueduct, or other artificial channel for the conveyance of water to or away from a given place, as for the draining of a swamp.

(b) A stream or current of water. Legally, a natural stream arising in a given drainage basin but not wholly dependent for its flow on surface drainage in its immediate area, flowing in a channel with a well-defined bed between visible banks or through a definite depression (as a ravine or swamp) in the surrounding land, having a definite and permanent periodic supply of water (the stream may be intermittent), and usually, but not necessarily having a perceptible current in a particular direction and discharging at affixed point into another body of water.

(c) A legal right permitting the use of a flow of a stream (especially of one flowing through one’s land) or the receipt of water discharged upon land belonging to another.

Increases in groundwater storage by natural conditions or by human activity. See also artificial recharge

The inflow of surface water to a groundwater reservoir or aquifer.

Increases in groundwater storage by natural conditions or by human activity. See also artificial recharge

The inflow of surface water to a groundwater reservoir or aquifer.

A parameter that describes the capability of a medium to transmit water.

A parameter that describes the capability of a medium to transmit water.

Also called the water cycle, this is the process of water evaporating condensing, falling to the ground as precipitation and returning to the ocean as run-off.

The circulation of water from the atmosphere to the earth and back, through precipitation, runoff, infiltration, groundwater flow and evapotranspiration.

The circulation of water from the atmosphere to the earth and back, through precipitation, runoff, infiltration, groundwater flow and evapotranspiration.

Any form of rain or snow.

The characteristic pattern of precipitation, runoff, infiltration and evaporation affecting the hydrology of a system.

The characteristic pattern of precipitation, runoff, infiltration and evaporation affecting the hydrology of a system.

A soil classification system based on the ability to convey and store water; divided into four groups: A,B,C,D

A soil classification system based on the ability to convey and store water; divided into four groups: A,B,C,D

A hard surface area (e.g., road, parking area or rooftop) that prevents or retards the infiltration of water into the soil.

A hard surface area (e.g., road, parking area or rooftop) that prevents or retards the infiltration of water into the soil.

The slow movement of water into or through a soil or drainage system.

Penetration of water through the ground surface.

Refers to a system that accepts all of the flow from a drainage area and conveys larger event flows through an overflow outlet.

Refers to a system that accepts all of the flow from a drainage area and conveys larger event flows through an overflow outlet.

The total surface area upstream of a point on a stream that drains toward that point. Not to be confused with watershed. The drainage area may include one or more watersheds.

Plant species (or non-native species) are those that do not naturally or historically occur in a particular area.

Plant species (or non-native species) are those that do not naturally or historically occur in a particular area.

The interception, storage and eventual evaporation of rainfall from vegetation canopies.

The interception, storage and eventual evaporation of rainfall from vegetation canopies.

Typically non-native plants that out-compete native species. These species lack natural predators, grow aggressively and reproduce rapidly and can be problematic in the natural environment.

Typically non-native plants that out-compete native species. These species lack natural predators, grow aggressively and reproduce rapidly and can be problematic in the natural environment.

Defined as those plants (including grasses, herbaceous species, shrubs, vines and trees) that have historically existed within a particular area. Native plants have co-evolved with the local ecosystems and natural processes.

The ratio of the impervious catchment (drainage) area to the pervious (footprint) area of the receiving BMP.

The natural features of the landscape, dictates flow patterns, runoff velocities and discharge rates.

The natural features of the landscape, dictates flow patterns, runoff velocities and discharge rates.

The principle that development form, servicing and stormwater management strategies should be defined by the biophysical, hydrological and ecological attributes of the landscape.

The principle that development form, servicing and stormwater management strategies should be defined by the biophysical, hydrological and ecological attributes of the landscape.

Relating to the properties, distribution and effects of water on and below the earth’s surface, and in the atmosphere.

The total mass of a pollutant entering a waterbody over a defined time period.

The net amount of something (e.g. chemical, such as phosphorus), calculated as the product of concentration and volume in a given time. Some BMPs significantly reduce loading of pollutants to the environment by reducing volume more so than concentration.

The total mass of a pollutant entering a waterbody over a defined time period.

The net amount of something (e.g. chemical, such as phosphorus), calculated as the product of concentration and volume in a given time. Some BMPs significantly reduce loading of pollutants to the environment by reducing volume more so than concentration.

The treatment of urban runoff as close to the source area as possible through application of small scale stormwater management practices on individual properties that are linked to downstream conveyance and end-of-pipe practices.

The treatment of urban runoff as close to the source area as possible through application of small scale stormwater management practices on individual properties that are linked to downstream conveyance and end-of-pipe practices.

A stormwater management strategy that seeks to mitigate the impacts of increased urban runoff and stormwater pollution by managing it as close to its source as possible. It comprises a set of site design approaches and small scale stormwater management practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration and evapotranspiration, and rainwater harvesting.

A stormwater management strategy that seeks to mitigate the impacts of increased urban runoff and stormwater pollution by managing it as close to its source as possible. It comprises a set of site design approaches and small scale stormwater management practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration and evapotranspiration, and rainwater harvesting.

Low impact development is a stormwater management and land development strategy applied at the parcel and subdivision scale that emphasizes conservation and use of on-site natural features integrated with engineered, small scale hydrologic controls to more closely mimic pre-development hydrologic functions.

A stormwater management strategy that seeks to mitigate the impacts of increased urban runoff and stormwater pollution by managing it as close to its source as possible. It comprises a set of site design approaches and small scale stormwater management practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration and evapotranspiration, and rainwater harvesting.

The practice of intercepting, conveying and storing rainwater for future use. Captured rainwater is typically used for outdoor non-potable water uses such as irrigation, or in the building to flush toilets.

Is a community-scale planning assessment of servicing and environmental considerations for a development project.

Is a community-scale planning assessment of servicing and environmental considerations for a development project.

a top dressing over vegetation beds that provides suppresses weeds and helps retain soil moisture in bioretention cells, stormwater planters and dry swales.

Defined as those plants (including grasses, herbaceous species, shrubs, vines and trees) that have historically existed within a particular area. Native plants have co-evolved with the local ecosystems and natural processes.

Defined as those plants (including grasses, herbaceous species, shrubs, vines and trees) that have historically existed within a particular area. Native plants have co-evolved with the local ecosystems and natural processes.

Defined as those plants (including grasses, herbaceous species, shrubs, vines and trees) that have historically existed within a particular area. Native plants have co-evolved with the local ecosystems and natural processes.

The natural ground material characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin.

Refers to a system that when full, stormwater will bypass the practice. Offline systems use flow splitters or bypass channels that only allow the water quality volume to enter the facility. This may be achieved with a pipe, weir, or curb opening sized for the target flow, but in conjunction, create a bypass channel so that higher flows do not pass over the surface of the filter bed.

Refers to a system that when full, stormwater will bypass the practice. Offline systems use flow splitters or bypass channels that only allow the water quality volume to enter the facility. This may be achieved with a pipe, weir, or curb opening sized for the target flow, but in conjunction, create a bypass channel so that higher flows do not pass over the surface of the filter bed.

The amount of stormwater runoff from a given area required to be retained by stormwater management practices to reduce pollutant load to an acceptable level.

An alternative practice to traditional impervious pavement, prevents the generation of runoff by allowing precipitation falling on the surface to infiltrate through the surface course into an underlying stone reservoir and, where suitable conditions exist, into the native soil.

An alternative practice to traditional impervious pavement, prevents the generation of runoff by allowing precipitation falling on the surface to infiltrate through the surface course into an underlying stone reservoir and, where suitable conditions exist, into the native soil.

An alternative practice to traditional impervious pavement, prevents the generation of runoff by allowing precipitation falling on the surface to infiltrate through the surface course into an underlying stone reservoir and, where suitable conditions exist, into the native soil.

An alternative practice to traditional impervious pavement, prevents the generation of runoff by allowing precipitation falling on the surface to infiltrate through the surface course into an underlying stone reservoir and, where suitable conditions exist, into the native soil.

An underlying bed filled with aggregate or other void-forming fill material that temporarily stores stormwater before infiltrating into the native soil or being conveyed by an underdrain pipe.

The physical features of the land, including topography, morphology and geologic origin. The physical feature of the land has an influence on the surface water movement and the interactions between surface water and groundwater.

The physical features of the land, including topography, morphology and geologic origin. The physical feature of the land has an influence on the surface water movement and the interactions between surface water and groundwater.

The water below the surface, and typically below the groundwater table.

Areas where certain land uses or activities have the potential to generate highly contaminated runoff (e.g., vehicle fuelling, service or demolition areas, outdoor storage and handling areas for hazardous materials and some heavy industry sites).

Areas where certain land uses or activities have the potential to generate highly contaminated runoff (e.g., vehicle fuelling, service or demolition areas, outdoor storage and handling areas for hazardous materials and some heavy industry sites).

The total mass of a pollutant entering a waterbody over a defined time period.

The total mass of a pollutant entering a waterbody over a defined time period.

refers to the characteristics and functions of a system prior to urban development.

refers to the characteristics and functions of a system prior to urban development.

Initial capturing and removal of unwanted contaminants, such as debris, sediment, leaves and pollutants, from stormwater before reaching a best management practice; Examples include, settling forebays, vegetated filter strips and gravel diaphragms.

A lot level bioretention cell designed to receive and detain, infiltrate and filter runoff, typically used for discharge from downspouts.

A lot level bioretention cell designed to receive and detain, infiltrate and filter runoff, typically used for discharge from downspouts.

The practice of intercepting, conveying and storing rainwater for future use. Captured rainwater is typically used for outdoor non-potable water uses such as irrigation, or in the building to flush toilets.

Human application of water to agricultural or recreational land for watering purposes. City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management November 2006 47

The addition of water to ground water by natural or artificial processes.

The infiltration and movement of surface water into the soil, past the vegetation root zone, to the zone of saturation or water table.

The addition of water to ground water by natural or artificial processes.

The infiltration and movement of surface water into the soil, past the vegetation root zone, to the zone of saturation or water table.

The upper surface of the zone of saturation, except where the surface is formed by an impermeable body.

Subsurface water level which is defined by the level below which all the spaces in the soil are filled with water; The entire region below the water table is called the saturated zone.

A vegetated ecosystem alongside a waterbody, characteristically have a high water table and are subject to periodic flooding.

A vegetated ecosystem alongside a waterbody, characteristically have a high water table and are subject to periodic flooding.

A biological community, including humans and their natural environment.

The portion of water precipitated onto a catchment area, which then flows as surface discharge from the catchment area past a specified point.

Water from rain, snow melt, or irrigation that flows over the land surface.

Deposition of material of varying size, both mineral and organic away from its site of origin by the action of water, wind, gravity or ice.

Settling-out or deposition of particulate matter suspended in runoff.

An underground water storage reservoir into which stormwater is directed and allowed to percolate into the underlying native subsoil.

An excavated area lined with geotextile filter cloth and filled with clean granular stone or other void forming material, that receives runoff and allow it to infiltrate into the native soil; can also be referred to as infiltration galleries, French drains, dry wells or soakaway pits.

An underground water storage reservoir into which stormwater is directed and allowed to percolate into the underlying native subsoil.

An excavated area lined with geotextile filter cloth and filled with clean granular stone or other void forming material, that receives runoff and allow it to infiltrate into the native soil; can also be referred to as infiltration galleries, French drains, dry wells or soakaway pits.

The practice of adding organic material, such as mulch or compost to topsoil to improve fertility, and tilling of the native soils to reverse compaction and restore its water retaining capacity.

The practice of adding organic material, such as mulch or compost to topsoil to improve fertility, and tilling of the native soils to reverse compaction and restore its water retaining capacity.

Water ponded on the ground surface.

Water ponded on the ground surface.

An underlying bed filled with aggregate or other void-forming fill material that temporarily stores stormwater before infiltrating into the native soil or being conveyed by an underdrain pipe.

A vegetated practice that collects and treats stormwater through sedimentation and filtration. Contributions to water cycle/water balance are through evapotranspiration only; no infiltration.

A vegetated practice that collects and treats stormwater through sedimentation and filtration. Contributions to water cycle/water balance are through evapotranspiration only; no infiltration.

The continuous movement of water from the oceans to the atmosphere (by evaporation), from the atmosphere to the land by condensation and precipitation, and from the land back to the sea (via groundwater and stream flow); also referred to as hydrologic cycle.

The accounting of inflow and outflow of water in a system according to the components of the hydrologic cycle.

A natural waterway, formed by fluvial processes, that conveys running water.

A natural waterway, formed by fluvial processes, that conveys running water.

Total nitrogen

Total phosphorus

Total suspended solids

The time needed for a drop of water to reach the outlet of a catchment from the most remote location within the catchment.

The time needed for a drop of water to reach the outlet of a catchment from the most remote location within the catchment.

Stormwater management following the hierarchical approach: Source Control measures, Conveyance Control measure and End of Pipe treatment to achieve the water quality and water balance target for lot level development of the preferred strategy.

A combination of lot level, conveyance, and end-of-pipe stormwater management practices.

Stormwater management following the hierarchical approach: Source Control measures, Conveyance Control measure and End of Pipe treatment to achieve the water quality and water balance target for lot level development of the preferred strategy.

A combination of lot level, conveyance, and end-of-pipe stormwater management practices.

A perforated pipe used to assist the draining of soils.

The changing of land cover and land uses from rural to urban; the growth of urban settlements.

The changing of land cover and land uses from rural to urban; the growth of urban settlements.

a gently sloping, densely vegetated areas that treat runoff as sheet flow from adjacent impervious areas. They function by slowing runoff velocity and filtering out suspended sediment and associated pollutants, and by providing some infiltration into underlying soils.

a gently sloping, densely vegetated areas that treat runoff as sheet flow from adjacent impervious areas. They function by slowing runoff velocity and filtering out suspended sediment and associated pollutants, and by providing some infiltration into underlying soils.

a gently sloping, densely vegetated areas that treat runoff as sheet flow from adjacent impervious areas. They function by slowing runoff velocity and filtering out suspended sediment and associated pollutants, and by providing some infiltration into underlying soils.

a gently sloping, densely vegetated areas that treat runoff as sheet flow from adjacent impervious areas. They function by slowing runoff velocity and filtering out suspended sediment and associated pollutants, and by providing some infiltration into underlying soils.

a gently sloping, densely vegetated areas that treat runoff as sheet flow from adjacent impervious areas. They function by slowing runoff velocity and filtering out suspended sediment and associated pollutants, and by providing some infiltration into underlying soils.

a gently sloping, densely vegetated areas that treat runoff as sheet flow from adjacent impervious areas. They function by slowing runoff velocity and filtering out suspended sediment and associated pollutants, and by providing some infiltration into underlying soils.

The accounting of inflow and outflow of water in a system according to the components of the hydrologic cycle.

The continuous movement of water from the oceans to the atmosphere (by evaporation), from the atmosphere to the land by condensation and precipitation, and from the land back to the sea (via groundwater and stream flow); also referred to as hydrologic cycle.

The mathematical expression of the water balance.

The mathematical expression of the water balance.

The amount of stormwater runoff from a given area required to be retained by stormwater management practices to reduce pollutant load to an acceptable level.

The upper surface of the zone of saturation, except where the surface is formed by an impermeable body.

Subsurface water level which is defined by the level below which all the spaces in the soil are filled with water; The entire region below the water table is called the saturated zone.

The drainage area of a river.

An area of land that drains into a river or a lake. The boundary of a watershed is based on the elevation (natural contours) of a landscape.

The drainage area of a river.

An area of land that drains into a river or a lake. The boundary of a watershed is based on the elevation (natural contours) of a landscape.

State of the art methods or techniques used to manage the quantity and improve the quality of wet weather flow. BMPs include Source, Conveyance and End-Of-Pipe Controls.

Stormwater runoff generated by either rainfall or snowmelt or flow resulting from sanitary wastewater that enters the combined sewer system; infiltration and inflows from foundation drains or other drains are resulting from rainfall or snowmelt.

Box like underground concrete structure with openings in curb and gutter designed to collect runoff from streets and pavement.

1. A mineral soil separate consisting of particles less than 0.002 millimeter in equivalent diameter. 2. A soil texture class. 3. (Engineering) A fine-grained soil (more than 50 percent passing the No. 200 Sieve) that has a high plasticity index in relation to the liquid limit. (Unified Soil Classification System).

A wastewater collection system, which conveys sanitary wastewater (domestic, commercial and industrial wastewaters) and Stormwater runoff through a single-pipe system to a treatment works.

A discharge to the environment from a combined Sewer system that occurs because of a precipitation event when the capacity of the interceptor sewer or treatment plant is exceeded. It consists of a mixture of sanitary wastewater and Stormwater runoff.

A long narrow trench or furrow dug in the ground, as for irrigation, drainage, or a boundary line.

Natural or artificial means of intercepting and removing surface or subsurface water (usually by gravity).

Open space floodway channels, road reserves, pavement expanses and other flow paths that convey flows typically in excess of the capacity of the Minor Drainage System.

Watercourses and Lake Ontario, to which Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows discharge.

The liquid waste from domestic, commercial and industrial establishments. City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management Guidelines November 2006 49

A strain of bacteria found in the gut and waste products of animals. Some strains of this bacterium can be harmful to humans or animals if consumed. Food or water can become contaminated with E.Coli where unsanitary conditions exist.

A biological community, including humans and their natural environment.

Emphasis on improving the value of particular aspects of water and related land resources.

Refers to the conditions in which an organism lives and survives or the conditions in which an organism resides. These conditions can be described as aspects of a “physical”, “social” or an “economic” environment, depending on the perspective perceived by the observer.

Evapotranspiation

The area adjacent to a stream that is, on average, inundated once a century

A branch of both physiography and geology that deals with the form of the earth, the general configuration of its surface, and the changes that take place due to erosion of the primary elements and the buildup of sediment.

The upper surface of the zone of saturation, except where the surface is formed by an impermeable body.

Referring to the source of a stream or river.

Relating to the properties, distribution and effects of water on and below the earth’s surface, and in the atmosphere.

Inflow and/or infiltration of water into a sewer.

Inflow and/or infiltration of water into a sewer.

Human application of water to agricultural or recreational land for watering purposes. City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management November 2006 47

That storm drainage system which is frequently used for collecting, transporting, and disposing of snowmelt, miscellaneous minor flows, and storm runoff up to the capacity of the system. The capacity should be equal to the maximum rate of runoff to be expected from the minor design storm which may have a frequency of occurrence of one in 2, or 5 years. The minor system may include many features ranging from curbs and gutters to storm sewer pipes and open drainage ways.

Systems designed to remove trash, debris and some amount of sediment, oil and grease from stormwater runoff based on the principles of sedimentation for the grit and phase separation for the oil.

The point, location, or structure where wastewater or drainage discharges from a sewer pipe, ditch or other conveyance to a receiving body of water.

A long narrow trench or furrow dug in the ground, as for irrigation, drainage, or a boundary line.

Open space floodway channels, road reserves, pavement expanses and other flow paths that convey flows typically in excess of the capacity of the Minor Drainage System.

The greatest volume of stream flow occurring during a storm event.

A body of water smaller than a lake, often artificially formed.

Any form of rain or snow.

Land owned by private individuals or companies.

Land owned by the City Toronto or any other level of government or public agency (such as Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Toronto Transit Commission, school boards).

The rate of rainfall in millimeters per hour.

Mineral particles which are smaller than 2 mm, and which are free of appreciable quantities of clay and silt. Coarse sand usually designates sand grains with particle size between 0.2 and 0.02 mm.

1. A mineral soil separate consisting of particles less than 0.002 millimeter in equivalent diameter. 2. A soil texture class. 3. (Engineering) A fine-grained soil (more than 50 percent passing the No. 200 Sieve) that has a high plasticity index in relation to the liquid limit. (Unified Soil Classification System).

Soil, sand and minerals washed from land into water, usually after rain. They pile up in reservoirs, rivers and harbors, destroying fish-nesting areas and holes of water animals and cloud the water so that needed sunlight might not reach aquatic plans. Careless farming, mining and building activities will expose sediment materials, allowing them to be washed off the land after rainfalls.

Soil or media particles smaller than sand and larger than clay (3 to 60 m)

Land owned by private individuals or companies.

Any person, agency or group who has a direct interest in the purpose of a proposed undertaking.

A shallow constructed channel, often grass-lined, which is used as an alternative to curb and channel, or as a pretreatment to other measures. Swales are generally characterized by a broad top width to depth ratio and gentle grades.

A shallow constructed channel, often grass-lined, which is used as an alternative to curb and channel, or as a pretreatment to other measures. Swales are generally characterized by a broad top width to depth ratio and gentle grades.

The total amount of particulate matter that is suspended in the water column.

Represents the hydrologic response and water quality response of the area to a pre-determined series of meteorological inputs.

unit response function

A process of disinfecting that involves subjecting the item, object, or instrument to ultraviolet radiation.

(a) A natural well-defined channel produced wholly or in part by a definite flow of water and through which water flows continuously or intermittently. Also, a ditch, canal, aqueduct, or other artificial channel for the conveyance of water to or away from a given place, as for the draining of a swamp.

(b) A stream or current of water. Legally, a natural stream arising in a given drainage basin but not wholly dependent for its flow on surface drainage in its immediate area, flowing in a channel with a well-defined bed between visible banks or through a definite depression (as a ravine or swamp) in the surrounding land, having a definite and permanent periodic supply of water (the stream may be intermittent), and usually, but not necessarily having a perceptible current in a particular direction and discharging at affixed point into another body of water.

(c) A legal right permitting the use of a flow of a stream (especially of one flowing through one’s land) or the receipt of water discharged upon land belonging to another.

Reduction in applied water due to more efficient water use such as implementation of Urban Best Management Practices or Agricultural Efficient Water Management Practices. The extent to which these actions actually create a savings in water supply depends on how they affect net water use and depletion.

The result of a study undertaken within the drainage area of a specific river following the guidance presented in the MOE Stormwater Management Planning and Design Manual (i.e. Humber River Watershed).

A vegetated area such as a bog, fen, marsh, or swamp, where the soil or root zone is saturated for part of the year.