Prevent flooding with regular maintenance of drains and culverts

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed October 12, 2017 2:30 PM

The golden red hue of the leaves tells us fall has arrived which means it is preventative maintenance time for drains and catch basins. The City of Nanaimo's Drainage Department will begin performing maintenance cleaning of city catch basins in the coming weeks. With approximately 18,000 catch basins in Nanaimo, homeowners are asked to check and clean catch basins near their homes, clean eavestroughs, clear off drains and, if ditches are present, watch for blocked culverts.

"The leaves may look pretty but they can also bring a quick reality of blocked catch basins and plugged drains leading to unwanted flooding," explains Wayne Roulston, Drainage Foreman for the City of Nanaimo, "We ask that residents help out by doing their part to ensure water is able to easily drain into the City's storm sewer system."

If flooding occurs, sand and sandbags are available for filling (bring your own shovel) at the Public Works yard 2020 Labieux Road. To report flooding in your neighbourhood, please call Public Works at 250-758-5222.