Resident clears catch basin in Penticton after snowfall.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ City of Penticton/ FACEBOOK
December 28, 2022 - 9:33 AM
Residents can help reduce the risk of flooding and puddles by keeping catch basins in their neighbourhoods clear when snow starts to melt.
Catch basins are also called storm drains, and help manage snow melt, run-off and rain as part of complex drainage and flood protection systems.
When catch basins get clogged with debris they can get backed up and cause flooding, but residents can help mitigate the risks helping to keep them clear of snow, ice, leaves, and other debris, according to a post on the City of Kamloops website.
“Following a snowfall, residents can also help by shovelling snow to the right of their driveways and before the curb when facing the road rather than shovelling snow on the curb where ice can build up and bloc the system,” the post reads.
In the spring and fall residents are encouraged to remove debris such as leaves and twigs away from the catch basins.
The City warns residents not to pour anything down the storm drains because water in the drains goes straight to rivers and streams, and does not pass through a treatment facility. Pouring things down the drains can lead to environmental contamination.
Residents are asked to phone their local city municipalities and let them know if they see a backed up catch basin.
“Nice work Penticton!” reads a Facebook post by City of Penticton. “We've seen lots of residents out there clearing catch basins in these sloppy conditions. Keeping the catch basins clear lets the water flow and reduces the risk of flooding when the snow starts to melt.”
READ MORE: Temperature rose 30 degrees over the Christmas weekend in Okanagan, Kamloops
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