Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning and a severe thunderstorm watch for the Kingston area today, Wednesday, June 1. Customers are reminded that any basement is at risk of flooding, even if it’s never happened before. 

Know what to do if your basement has flooded. First and foremost, consider your family’s health and safety. Entering a wet basement could be hazardous! When in doubt, don’t enter the flooded area until you are told it is safe by a professional qualified to do so. If you have any concerns about utility equipment, contact the Utilities Kingston 24-hour line at 613-546-1181.

Take action - Utilities Kingston offers some steps you can take today to protect your home from basement flooding:

• Check your sump pump for proper operation and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. For example, you may wish to:
  • Confirm it’s plugged in and working properly.
  • Consider an extra length of hose to increase the distance at which it discharges away from your foundation.
• Check your sanitary backwater valve and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s directions. For example, if you can do so safely, you may wish to open the lid, clean it out, confirm there is a good seal in place and test its operation.
• Ensure your downspouts are clear of debris so water can route safely away. Downspouts should be directed at least two meters from your foundation.
• Reduce your water use on rainy days. When it’s raining heavily the sewers may fill up. Using a lot of water during heavy rains (for example, taking a shower or doing laundry) can contribute to basement flooding and overflows to your environment. Consider using less water in extreme weather situations.
• If you know that a catch basin on your street is covered in debris, we’d appreciate if you could take some time to clear it. This will help make sure that rainwater can enter the storm sewer and promotes good drainage away from your neighbourhood. (Tip: you can use Google Maps with Street View to locate catch basins on your street.)
• Get 18 Flood Facts and tips to protect your property and view our video for more tips on preventing a soggy basement disaster.

Sewers can overflow during heavy rain

When Kingstonians or visitors plan to swim, fish or boat in Lake Ontario within 48 hours after heavy rain, they are encouraged to first check the overflow map.  Sewer overflow locations affecting the Great Cataraqui River, the Little Cataraqui Creek, and other surrounding bodies of water are also shown.