High Water, Overland Water, Sewer Backup

No Alerts in effect at this time. 

For local up to date information visit: https://www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?mb14 

The significant amount of water the spring storm events brought paired with the annual spring melt while the ground was still frozen and unable to absorb water caused for water to exceed the design capacity of our drainage system.

Selkirk was built with combined sewers – an old system where both stormwater and sewer systems are merged into one pipe. It’s been proven that combined sewers have a limited capacity during high rainfall events, and can be harmful to the environment, and people’s homes. 

In recent years, Selkirk, using its Capital Asset Management Program has been investing into separating the city’s sewer network. Separated Sewer Systems have two separate pipe systems. One set takes household and industrial waste to the wastewater treatment plant, and the other set of storm drain pipes routes rain water and snow melt from streets directly into the Red River, minimizing the impact on the city’s drainage system. 

Sewer separation is a critical objective of the city’s award-winning Climate Change Adaption Strategy (CCAS) but achieving full separation will take tens of millions of dollars over the coming years. By using our asset management program we’re creating opportunities to link this work with other projects therefore making it as cost-effective as possible. 

Basement water

This occurs when there are heavy rain events, rapid snowmelt and an abundance of water in the city’s sewer system. If it’s more water than the sewer system can handle, excess water can flow backward into your home’s sewer line and subsequently flow into your basement

Overland water

This can occur when water on the ground surface cannot be absorbed by the ground, does not have sufficient time or space to flow into drainage systems, or the river potentially causing water to cover roads and properties and in some cases seep into homes through the outside walls. 

It’s is impossible to predict whether or not your home is at risk so it’s best to make sure that the proper precautions have been taken to mitigate risk.

Protect your home

• Raise items off the floor of your basement or garage to avoid water damage. 
• Check your insurance policy to ensure that you have appropriate water damage coverage for your area. For more information on insurance please contact your provider.  
• Make sure you have a sump pump and or backwater valve and that it is in working order. 
• Check to make sure your eavestroughs are not clogged with leaves or debris and that down spouts are placed appropriately. 
• Make sure your basement windows are sealed and that water wells are not full of debris. 

Sand and bags are always available to those who are in need during the high-water season. Supplies will be delivered directly to a home or to a central location where many comes could be or are being affected. 

Please call 204-785-4900. 

Sand and Dike Construction

*Poly is the responsibility of the homeowner

Each year the city implements its standard spring high water preparedness plan and continuously monitors river levels to maintain the appropriate state of preparedness throughout the spring melt. 

Updated as preparedness begins.

Questions? please call 204-785-4900 or email CitizenSupport