Rain, melted snow and runoff flow into underground storm sewer pipes through our 22,000+ catch basins (or storm drains) on Regina’s roads.
Catch Basins
When catch basins are frozen or filled with debris, storm water and melting snow cannot drain away from alleys, streets or greenspaces next to your property. Keep your sidewalk, gutter and the area around catch basins clear for rain, melting ice and snow to enter the drainage system and prevent flooding.
Everything that enters the catch basins go directly into Wascana Creek untreated. Household products, like paint, oil, and fertilizers, that enter the drains can affect the health of our creeks, rivers and the land surrounding them, as well as the health of wildlife and fish that rely on them.
7 ways you can help protect Wascana Creek and the Qu’Appelle River:
- Never pour anything down the storm drain
- Limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides
- Point downspouts toward lawns and gardens
- Use a rain barrel with your downspouts
- Sweep up debris from your garage and driveway instead of washing it away
- Wash your vehicle at a car wash
- Pick up after your pet
Report a Blocked Catch Basin
To report a blocked catch basin or an area with poor drainage to be inspected, provide the location by street address or nearest intersection through an online service request or 306-777-7000 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.
Flood Protection
The City has measures in place to reduce flooding in known problem areas throughout our community. Detention and retention ponds, as well as dikes and berms, direct as much runoff as possible away from roads and sewers. Dikes and berms act as barriers to help keep the water away, helping to prevent flooding in basements of homes and businesses. Detention and retention ponds will fill with water until the drainage system is able to handle it.
Residents are encouraged to guard against flooding in their homes and properties. We offer a number of flood protection tips for homeowners to help you stay dry.
Flood Protection Tips for Your Property
Guard against spring melt and flooding in your basement. Here are some tips to help you stay dry:
- Clear ice and snow off your neighbourhood catch basin and make sure it is draining properly.
- Move snow away from your home so it will drain away from the foundation.
- Clear channels in the ice/snow to allow melt water to drain away.
- Ensure downspouts are extended so they discharge rain or meltwater at least two meters away from the foundation.
- Check to make sure your sump pump is working. If you don’t have a sump pump, consider installing one.
- Consider installing a Backflow Prevention Valve to protect against sewer backups if you don’t have one.
- Keep basement sewer caps in place.
- Check your basement regularly for signs of water and consider installing a water-sensing alarm.
