Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs
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Rainwater Management

Rainwater is surface runoff resulting from precipitation. It flows over the ground and eventually joins waterways.

Land development creates more impervious surfaces and, as a result, more runoff. This increases the speed at which runoff flows towards receiving water bodies and changes those bodies’ natural water balance (lower base flow, more severe flooding, and increased erosion). This water carries with it a significant amount of pollutants. Nevertheless it usually flows directly into receiving water bodies without being treated.

The Ministère recognizes the importance of reviewing rainwater management practices in Québec, especially now that climate change has heightened the effects of runoff on receiving water bodies. As a result, Ministère established new requirements in January 2012, which are presented here along with information about rainwater management in Québec.

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