Residential Source Control
Clean Water Begins at Home
We might not all think about where the water goes after it disappears down the drain, but eventually it flows right into the ocean. And whatever that water is carrying with it ends up in the ocean too. That means fats, oils and grease, detergents, chemicals, medications and food waste all end up in the marine receiving environment, where they have the potential to cause environmental damage.
The good news is it's not hard, time consuming or expensive to limit the amount of contaminants that go down our drains. The CRD's Residential Source Control Program provides some quick, easy and free actions to take to help keep our local environment clean and maintain our wastewater infrastructure.
- What is source control? Watch the video clip!
- Can I put anything down the drain with wastewater treatment? Watch the video clip!
Medications
Every year CRD residents toss thousands of kilograms of unused or expired medications into the garbage or down the drain. Ultimately, these drugs end up in the ocean, where they can potentially have a negative impact.
The good news is there are many pharmacies who collect our waste medications for proper disposal. Read more 
- What do I do with leftover medication? Watch the video clip!
Laundry Detergent (Surfactants)
Laundry soap gets its cleaning power from detergent (also known as surfactant), the ingredient responsible for the suds made by many cleaning products. Unfortunately, detergents also have the potential to be toxic to marine life.
The good news is that the CRD has soft water, and soft water requires less detergent to achieve the same degree of cleanliness. Read more
- Why can I use less detergent? Watch the video clip!
Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)
When fats, oils and grease (FOG) go down the drain, they can cause a whole host of problems for our wastewater system and local environment. From clogged pipes to depleted oxygen in the marine receiving environment, the effect of FOG in our wastewater is both costly and ecologically damaging.
The good news is there are some simple alternatives to pouring your FOG down the drain. Read more
- What do I do with leftover FOG? Watch the video clip!
About the Initiative
The Residential Source Control Program promotes personal action to help reduce the amounts of contaminants that enter the Victoria wastewater system. Launched in 2007, the Clean Water Begins at Home initiative focuses on some key sources of wastewater contamination. Results will be measured through monitoring the waste stream and surveys to determine changes in public behaviour.
The Residential Source Control Program is an expansion of the very successful Regional Source Control Program (RSCP) which was launched in 1994. Initially focused on businesses due to their potential to generate concentrated or large volumes of wastes, the CRD and the business community have worked together to develop regulations and best management practices to reduce or eliminate the amount of contaminants entering the sewer system. Businesses are now adopting both regulatory and voluntary source control practices and are making a difference.
Tips and information are intended for residents of the Capital Region connected to sanitary sewers. Using a septic system? There are tips for you, too. Please note: liquids are not accepted in the garbage. Ensure fats, oils and grease have solidified before placing in garbage.