Stormwater is water that results from precipitation and which occurs immediately following rainfall or as a result of snowmelt. Stormwater catchbasins, inlets, pipes and retention ponds act together to manage the flow of stormwater.

Drainage and ditching are related to stormwater, but manage the water and/or infrastructure differently. The Drainage division of the Community Services & Planning Department is responsible for drains, while Transportation and Emergency Services is responsible for ditching.