High river levels increase the risk of basement flooding across the city. When river levels are high, the normal capacity of the sewer system is reduced. With heavy rains and high river levels, the risk of basement flooding is significantly greater.

To ensure maximum protection against basement flooding, the City recommends homeowners take the following protective measures:

• Install a backwater valve and sump pit drainage system
• Check and maintain your backwater valve and sump pit drainage system regularly
• Build up the ground so that water drains away from your basement
• Extend downspouts so that water flows away from your house and doesn’t collect next to basement walls or basement windows or window wells.

Residents are also advised to be sure they aren’t directing drainage from their property onto neighbouring properties. A brochure called Protecting Your Home from Basement Flooding provides more information on each of these protective measures. The brochure was delivered to each home the week of June 27. It is also available on the City’s Web site at winnipeg.ca

Above normal rainfall has also resulted in saturated soil conditions. Nagy says, “Residents will likely notice that lawns, gardens and flowerbeds aren’t absorbing the rain as quickly as usual. Instead, water builds up on the ground, and this ‘ponding’ effect lingers because of the saturated soil. Ponding is particularly noticeable in areas of the city with less formal drainage systems, such as those serviced with ditches and unpaved streets and lanes.”

If drainage problems pose a safety hazard, threaten damage to homes or businesses, or impede traffic, residents can call the Water and Waste Department Customer Service Centre at 311.