Extra water can overload sewers
A little extra water from individual properties may not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly add up to become more than the wastewater system was designed to handle. This can lead to sewer overflows into homes, businesses and the environment. This extra water is a particular challenge in the wet fall and winter months, especially as we start to see more atmospheric rivers due to climate change.
Learn more about sewer overflows
What property owners can do
Property owners play a key role in reducing I&I: about half of our region’s sewer system is made up of pipes on private properties. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain the sewer lines on their property and make sure that nothing is improperly connected to those lines.
To stop large amounts of extra water from getting into your pipes:
- Have your pipes inspected with a camera by a plumber or drainage specialist at least once a decade
- Fix or replace old or damaged pipes, especially if they are “combined” sewer lines that carry both sanitary wastewater and stormwater
- Ensure downspouts and foundation drains are not connected to your sanitary sewer pipe
- Avoid planting water-loving trees or shrubs on top of your sewer line or drain pipes, as their roots can pry open joints between pipes
What Metro Vancouver is doing
Metro Vancouver is working with its member municipalities to reduce I&I by:
- Helping identify neighbourhoods with high levels of I&I and working towards solutions for those areas
- Upgrading infrastructure and planning for future growth, and conducting regular maintenance, to reduce the risk of future sewer overflows
- Exploring ways to encourage fixing problems on private properties
- Incorporating reduction targets and strategies into regional wastewater planning, including wet weather pricing to better allocate costs to those contributing to the problem