Spring not only brings warmer temperatures, but also increases the threat of flooding. City utility crews travel throughout the city to monitor and report on problem drainage areas to catch issues before they get worse. Crews also track major ponding as they occur to prevent traffic problems and local flooding. In preparation, we grade the snow into windrows on the edges of street to allow the snow to melt slowly and reduce flooding of catch basins. We clear gutters and defrost catch basins to improve street drainage.
The City of Prince Albert encourages residents to use the online Report a Concern Form to bring to the City's attention large puddles, significant water pooling on your street or flooding concerns.
Spring melt tips
- Shovel snow from around your foundation. Around 6 feet, allowing the water to drain away from your home. Take special notice around basement window sills.
- Shovel snow to create a path for the water to flow from your property to the street gutters. Take notice of any developing ice ridges that are building and chip them down to allow drainage.
- Clear eavestroughs and roof of excess snow. Extend downspouts if possible, at least 6 feet from the foundation.
- Do not shovel snow onto the street or sidewalk. Keeping the snow on your yard allows slow melting and keeps the street gutters and catch basins clear of snow.
- Check to make sure your sump pump is working to pump out any water that makes it to your sump.
- Check to make sure your sewer back flow valve is working.
- It is important for you to be considerate of your neighbors and work with them to prevent water from being drained onto each other's properties.
Flood mitigation
All basements are at risk of flooding, even if it never flooded before. Summer storms can bring in a lot of rain in a short duration of time. It is important for you to consider the following to reduce the chance of it happening to you.
- Keep your eavestroughs and gutters clear of debris to allow drainage.
- Ensure your landscaping allows drainage away from your basement. The soil should drop about 4 to 8 inches, 6 to 10 feet away from your foundation. Remember that soils can settle overtime, so you will need to check your landscaping and add more soil to promote better drainage when needed.
- Ensure your landscaping allows water to drain to the street and alley or rear easement, but not to your neighbor's property.
- Fix any leaks you find in the walls, floors, doors or windows.
- Keep vegetation or other objects away from your basement windows to keep water from leaking through. Consider installing window wells if your windows are relatively close to the soil.
If you have questions or concerns about flood prevention for your home, please consider contacting a professional.
For more details on the City of Prince Albert's Storm Drainage System, please review the Storm Sewer Bylaw No. 11 of 1995.
