Winnipeg, MB - City of Winnipeg officials are in close contact with provincial officials and are monitoring the flooding situation on the Assiniboine River very closely. The Assiniboine River in Winnipeg is predicted to rise one metre from Route 90 westward within the next three to four days. The levels on the lower Assiniboine River and the Red River are predicted to rise 0.2 metres. The river levels on the upper Assiniboine are similar to 2011.
No Winnipeg properties are expected to require sandbags for flood protection.
The Winnipeg Public Service has been taking actions to ensure a heightened state of readiness since the spring and is prepared to handle the flows expected on the Assiniboine River over the next few days. All the flood pumping stations are activated or on standby and temporary pumps are deployed to dewater drainage pipes after a rainfall event.
Winnipeggers should expect high river levels throughout the month of July. High river levels increase the risk of basement flooding across the city. Although basement flooding is a risk any time of the year, the risk increases with high river levels because the sewer system must then rely heavily on flood pumping stations rather than gravity to carry the excess rainfall runoff to the rivers.
Steps to protect against basement flooding
The following measures can greatly reduce the risk of sewer backup and basement flooding:
- Install a backwater valve and sump pit drainage system
- Check and maintain your backwater valve and sump pit drainage system regularly
- Improve drainage around your house so that water flows away from your basement walls and doesn't pool next to the basement walls or basement windows
Homeowners are also reminded about the Basement Flood Protection Subsidy Program. The program was launched by the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg in 2011 to help homeowners protect their basements from flooding caused by overloaded sewers during severe weather (e.g., heavy rain, high river levels).
Property owners are reminded it is illegal under the City of Winnipeg’s Lot Grading By-law to drain sump pump water into the basement floor drain or any other part of the house plumbing system. This practice can overtax the sewer system and place the resident’s basement and neighbouring basements at risk of flooding and damage.
More information on basement flood protection and the Basement Flood Protection Subsidy Program is available on the following web pages:
The City advises citizens to be cautious around fast moving rivers and creeks. Boat launches remain closed; boating on Winnipeg bodies of water is not recommended at this time.
For information on the current river levels, visit: City of Winnipeg - River Levels.