Rainfall Impact Update
March 23, 2026
The City’s wastewater system is stabilizing following the recent rainfall event. The emergency bypass at the Main Sewage Lift Station was closed on Sunday afternoon. An emergency bypass is only taken as a last resort when flows exceed the system’s capacity. It is done to prevent backup of wastewater into residences and failure of critical infrastructure which would prolong our inability to treat wastewater.
Due to the high volume of flows pumped to the Wastewater Treatment Plant from Thursday – Sunday, we did have to initiate discharging partially treated wastewater from the Rapid Infiltration Basins at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Elk River on Sunday, and continue to do so to prevent overtopping and failure of the lagoon berms. This will end as soon as possible, once the treatment pond levels stabilize.
We thank residents and businesses for their cooperation, particularly those who reduced water use during this time and checked that their sump pumps, downspouts, and perimeter drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system. These types of cross connections can send large amounts of rainwater into the wastewater network, putting extra pressure on our system. If you are unsure where the groundwater or stormwater on your property is pumped to, please submit a Request for Service.
The City is now moving ahead with Provincially required environmental testing and reporting through the Ministry of Environment.
For anyone looking for information on how to dispose of sandbags after flooding visit the BC Gov News page.
