The city’s water department is considering a special tax to pay for the  costs of improving the city’s water system.

Funds would be used for water control during storms like the one the city endured on Monday.

Toronto Water is still assessing the idea and hasn’t recommended it to council but  one strategy  is to charge homeowners based on how much of their lot is paved. Those with an abundance of  grass could see a break -because paved areas direct water into the city system, while grassy lots absorb it.

The goal  would be to reduce basement flooding – which causes major damage and frustration for homeowners.

Some 3,000 basements flooded in Monday’s rainstorm.