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The Municipal storm drainage system is composed primarily
of many smaller systems, particularly in the rural areas
of Saanich. The Municipal sewer (wastewater) system is separate
from the drainage system (see below). Our Drafting Section
has service drawings and maps which show drain connections
to the property line, and we have a history of reported flooding
from 1979 to 1994 available to the public.
If you have a drainage problem please contact the Storm
and Wastewater section. If you wish to enclose a ditch,
please contact the Engineering Department.
 Keeping
our drainage system healthy is important because all our
drainage water goes into our creeks and rivers. You will
notice fish pictures beside some of our drain catch basins
as a reminder.
The Municipality operates over 550 km of sewer mains. Of
this total, nearly 350 km are asbestos cement mains installed
between 1953 and the mid 1970's. Included in our sewer system
are 5,240 manholes and 40 pumpstations. In the 1990's, a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
system was installed. SCADA is a control monitoring device
for our Sewer and Water Pumpstations. This system was recently updated in the last two years to provide modern equipment, greater reliability, and the ability to record better and more detailed data.
Not all of Saanich is included in the sewer system. Approximately
one-third of our houses are outside the Sewer Enterprise Boundary.
The Sewer Enterprise Boundary refers to a conceptual line
defining the area approved by Council to be serviced by Municipal
sewers. Every six months, the Engineering Department
does a Sewer Enterprise Review and those houses that are
in the Urban Containment Boundary may apply to be serviced
by the existing sanitary system.
Our Drafting Section has service drawings and maps which
show the sewer connections to the property line.
The Urban Containment Boundary is the area which generally
encompasses the sewered area of the Municipality and identifies
the division between urban and rural land uses. If you live
in rural Saanich, you are probably not on the sewer system.
More information and/or applications should be directed to
the Office of the Municipal
Clerk.
Septic tanks and fields are not regulated by Saanich, they
fall under the jurisdiction of the Capital
Regional District.
There are many causes of sewer or drainage damage. Most,
but not all, damage results from a problem in the homeowner's
private system, a problem in the Municipality's system, or
damages to both systems from an outside source such as storms
or vandalism. Through an investigation of the circumstances
that surround the incident, the Municipality will attempt
to identify the cause and the responsible party.
- The homeowner is responsible to determine where the blockage
is located, regardless of whether it is on private or
public property. You should call a plumber immediately.
If your plumber clearly identifies the blockage on the
municipal side, immediately contact Saanich
Storm and Wastewater, who will want the plumber to
stay on site.
- The homeowner is responsible to take the first steps
to minimize any damage to personal property, (i.e. remove
undamaged items from the area to prevent damages).
- Notify your homeowners or rental insurance agent of the
damages as soon as possible to determine if your policy
provides coverage.
- Take immediate steps through your resources or those
of your insurer, to remove excess water or sewage. Sewage
presents special health considerations so you may need
professional assistance. Damage restoration firms are
listed in the phone directory.
Common sense will dictate most other actions. Remember that
electricity and water can be fatal. PLEASE BE CAREFUL.
It is important to protect your home from basement flooding
because no matter where you live, your home is at risk for
flooding. Why?
- Heavy rainstorms that fall over short periods of time
can overwhelm storms and sewer systems.
- Even if you or your neighbours have not experienced prior
problems with flooding, your home can still be at risk.
- Clear eavestroughs, downspouts and catch basins of leaves
and other debris that may prevent proper drainage.
- Have your drain system cleaned and repaired if necessary.
- If you are experiencing flooding, make sure to disconnect
your downspouts approximately 1.2 metres (four feet) away
from basement walls. Ensure that the water is not draining
onto your neighbours' properties.
- Fix leaks in walls, floors, windows or foundations. Check
for moisture along the walls and floor. Fill and seal
any visible cracks.
- Ensure storm sewer grates (catch basin grates) both on
or near your property aren’t blocked by garbage,
leaves, ice or other debris that would prevent proper
drainage and potentially lead to flooding.
- The homeowner is responsible to determine where the blockage
is located, regardless of whether it is on private or
public property. You should call a plumber immediately.
If your plumber clearly identifies the blockage is on the
municipal side, immediately contact Saanich Storm and
Wastewater, who will want the plumber to stay on site.
- The homeowner is responsible to take the first steps
to minimize any damage to personal property, (i.e. – remove
undamaged items from the area to prevent damages.)
Sand bags are available at the Saanich Municipal Yard, 1040
McKenzie Avenue. These are for Residents only.
In the case of an Emergency Flooding, please call 250-475-5597.
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