Here are some tips that may help during a rainstorm event.
Did you know that North Glenora has combined sewer lines? A combined sewer system is a single pipe that moves both storm water and snow melt from city streets and wastewater from our homes to the wastewater treatment plant. The combined sewer system was developed prior to 1960 and at the time was considered to be more economical than building two separate sewer systems. The construction of combined sewers was discontinued due to environmental concerns and the population growth in Edmonton.
During small and medium rainstorms, or when snow melts in the winter and spring, all water in the combined sewer system is treated at the wastewater treatment plant. When storm events are more intense, and the system is over capacity, the water in the pipes flows directly into the North Saskatchewan River. These are known as Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) events. When the combined sewer system overflows into the North Saskatchewan River the frequency and volume of the event is reported to both the provincial and federal government.
How to help protect your basement from flooding during a rainstorm
If a storm is on its way or has begun, there are a few simple things you can do to help protect your basement from flooding during heavy rain.
- Make sure your downspout extensions are in the down position to direct water away from your home.
- Ensure your sump pump and / or back up sump pump is working.
- Avoid using water during a storm. Activities like showering or washing clothes can cause a backup in your basement if the neighbourhood sewer system is at or near capacity.
You can also help protect your home from a sewer line back-up by installing and maintaining a backwater valve.
An interior backwater valve is a device that is placed on the main sanitary sewer pipe in your home to prevent sewage from flowing back through the pipes from the mainline and flooding your basement. It does this by automatically closing its flap when high pressure of water comes back up your pipe, such as in a large rain event.
An exterior backwater valve is placed on the main sanitary sewer pipe outside your home to prevent sewage from flowing back through the pipes from the mainline and flooding your basement. It does this by automatically closing its flap when high pressure of water comes back up your pipe, such as in a large rain event.
To find out more about backwater valves, and financial assistance (up to $800) from EPCOR go to: backwater valve
– North Glenora Planning & Transportation Committee