Fix or report a drainage problem

Learn what to do if you have flooding or standing water on your property, and when to contact the city. 

Drainage issues between neighbours or on private property is the owners’ responsibility.

On this page:

  1. Identify the cause
  2. Check your own property first
  3. Work with your neighbours
  4. If you can’t find a solution
  5. Report a problem with a city drain, pond or creek
  6. Drainage is usually a civil matter

Identify the cause

Most drainage issues start when you or your neighbours make changes to your properties, such as adding a pool, patio, deck or retaining wall, or changing how your yard slopes.

Drainage problems can develop slowly as properties change over time. 

Common causes include:

  • grading changes or filled-in side yards
  • new landscaping, fences or gardens that block water flow
  • downspouts or sump pumps draining toward another property
  • compacted soil or poor drainage near property lines
  • blocked swales or private catch basins

If you’re not sure how water should drain on your property, visit the How grading and drainage work page.

Check your own property first

Look for small fixes that might help:

  • clear swales or drains of debris
  • adjust downspouts or sump pump outlets to drain away from property lines
  • fill in low spots or restore the slope around your home

Learn more about what you’re responsible for in Manage drainage on your property.

Work with your neighbours

If drainage between properties seems to be part of the issue, good communication can often solve it. Work with your neighbours to find a solution.

Start by:

  • explaining what you’ve noticed and asking if they’ve seen the same thing
  • sharing photos after heavy rain to show where water pools
  • suggesting small changes that could help both properties

If you can’t find a solution

If you can’t fix the problem yourself or with your neighbour, you still have options:

  • live with minor pooling
  • share the cost of improvements
  • get advice from a drainage professional
  • seek legal advice if the issue continues

Report a problem with a city drain, pond or creek

The city maintains public stormwater systems, including drains, ponds and storm drains.

Use the Report an issue form if flooding or pooling is caused by:

  • a city drain, pond or creek
  • construction work near your property

When you report, include:

  • when the issue started
  • how it affects your property
  • photos of the problem

The city will only respond to drainage problems that involve city-owned stormwater systems.

Drainage is usually a civil matter

The city does not take action on drainage problems between neighbours or on private property.

These are considered civil matters under Ontario common law.

Under common law: Lower land must accept naturally flowing surface water from higher land, but water must not be directed onto neighbouring properties by artificial means.

If you believe a neighbour is redirecting water onto your property, you may need to discuss it directly, work with a professional, or seek legal advice.