CALGARY – While this weekend’s warm weather was a welcome break from the chilly spring weather we’ve experienced so far, it is causing concern for many residents whose property has become waterlogged.
The City of Calgary says crews are working to clear frozen and clogged storm drains which are causing water to pool.
It’s an issue that began last month, when the city was treated to a brief stretch of warmer temperatures.
City officials say they’ve received about 3,500 calls about storm drains since the beginning of March, and are responding to these complaints on a priority basis.
The priority in which calls are responded to is as follows:
- Property damage – water entering houses or garages or business causing damage
- Accessibility – open manholes, playground zone, school zones, hospital zones, handicap access and bus zones
- Flooded roadways including intersections
On Friday, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development issued a Spring Runoff Advisory warning of localized flooding as snow melts.
Although snow is melting, officials say the ground is still frozen down to a depth of eight feet and special thawing equipment is required to clear frozen catch basins.
Residents are asked to not try to clear clogged storm drains by themselves, but to call 311 instead.
However, if it is safe to do so, it is okay to clear a channel along the gutter for water to flow to the catch basin.
There are approximately 48,000 storm drains in Calgary.
For tips on protecting your property from water due to snow melt visit calgary.ca/flooding.
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