City Leaders Call for Reduced Water Use as Stormwater Systems Strain
Edmonton is facing significant pressure on its stormwater infrastructure due to persistent heavy rainfall, prompting a city-wide appeal for water conservation. Mayor Andrew Knack is urging residents and businesses to minimize their water consumption in an effort to alleviate strain on the system.
Mayor Knack expressed confidence that Edmontonians will heed the call, just as they have in the past. “I see no reason why that wouldn’t occur this time around,” he stated. The city issued a water supply alert on Sunday evening, which included a crucial reminder to ensure sump pumps and downspouts are functioning correctly. This alert is expected to remain in effect and will be re-evaluated on Monday evening.
Stormwater System Nearing Capacity
Officials from Epcor, the city’s utilities provider, indicated that the duration of the water conservation appeal remains uncertain but is likely to continue. Martin Kennedy, speaking for Epcor, noted that the region is projected to experience the rainiest June in over a century by next weekend. This prolonged period of precipitation has pushed the stormwater system to its limits, increasing the risk of sewer backups in various parts of the city.
“The best thing we can do is conserve water for a couple of days,” Kennedy advised, emphasizing that the appeal aims to manage immediate system pressures and prepare for anticipated future rainfall.
Epcor has already responded to over 600 calls related to flooding and sewer backups. In response to the high water levels, the City of Edmonton has also closed several trails along the North Saskatchewan River due to safety concerns. The Mill Creek in south Edmonton was observed overflowing its banks on Monday afternoon, transforming the typically serene waterway into a fast-moving river.
Broader Impact and Forecast
Similar water conservation advisories were issued for nearby communities, including Stony Plain and Beaumont. While St. Albert and Stony Plain have since rescinded their advisories, the situation highlighted the critical strain on municipal emergency services, which were at risk of becoming inoperable due to flooding.
Residents in affected areas were advised to be prepared for potential evacuation orders on short notice. The town of Tofield, which experienced significant flooding, opened an emergency evacuation center at the Tofield Community Hall for displaced residents.
Epcor also cautioned residents living near stormwater ponds to maintain a safe distance, as rising water levels are being managed by these facilities. “These ponds are doing their most important job right now, collecting excess rainwater, slowing its entry into the system and improving the quality of water that will eventually enter the North Saskatchewan River,” an Epcor statement explained.
Record Rainfall Totals
Meteorological data indicates that Edmonton has received 104 millimetres of rain over the past three days. Additional showers were expected on Monday evening, with a possibility of thunderstorms. Year-to-date rainfall for June has reached 199 millimetres, nearing the record of 216.5 millimetres set in 1914. While the month is not yet over, Edmonton currently holds the second-highest rainfall total for June on record.
Although the weather is expected to improve temporarily, further rain is forecast for later in the week.
