Publication 852: A Guide for Engineers Working Under the Drainage Act in Ontario
Learn about your responsibilities as a drainage engineer working under the Drainage Act, 1990. This technical information is for drainage engineers working in Ontario.

Executive summary
As a drainage engineer, you need to:
- balance property owner needs with environmental and societal interests
- comply with regulations
- protect municipal infrastructure
This guide will help you navigate through these challenges and opportunities and communicate with:
- drainage superintendents
- property owners
- council members
- environmental agencies
- contractors
It is intended to assist but not prescribe how the drainage engineer fulfills their responsibilities under the Drainage Act, 1990.
To work as a drainage engineer, you must know and understand:
- the Drainage Act, 1990 process
- drainage system function
- other legislation and how it impacts drainage works
The guide is presented in 3 parts.
Part A addresses the application of the Drainage Act, 1990 requirements.
Part B addresses the technical design components of engineering reports.
Part C addresses the other applicable regulations, policy and agency interests.
Order a printed guide
Order a printed copy online at Publications Ontario, or by phone through the ServiceOntario Contact Centre. The ServiceOntario Contact Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can reach the ServiceOntario Contact Centre via:
Tel: 416-326-5300 TTY: 416-325-3408 Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095 (Ontario)Toll-free: 1-800-668-9938 (Canada)
Disclaimer
If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact ag.info.omaf@ontario.ca. We will:
- acknowledge your request within 3 business days
- provide you with the content within 15 business days