Rain, melted snow and runoff flow into underground storm sewer pipes through our 22,000+ storm drains on Regina’s roads.
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
Outside
- Ensure your gutters and downspouts are cleared of any leaves and debris.
- Extend all downspouts and sump pump hoses at least six feet away from the foundation.
- Ensure the ground around your foundation is sloping away from the foundation preventing pooling of water and seepage into the basement.
- Clear snow away at least six feet from the foundation.
- Remove any debris or snow from any window wells.
Inside
- 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 and ensure it is regularly maintained and clear of debris.
- Keep basement sewer caps in place.
- Check your basement regularly for signs of water and consider installing a water-sensing alarm.
- Remove items blocking water drainage pathway to the floor drain.
- Store hazardous materials in watertight containers or remove from basement.
- Raise electronics off the basement floor.
Storm Drains
When storm drains 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 storm drains clear for rain, melting ice and snow to enter the drainage system and prevent flooding.
Everything that enters the storm drains 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 Storm Drain
To report a blocked storm drain 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.
