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. If you want to have drainage installed on your street, please refer to the Local Improvement section of our web site.

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.

Sewers

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.  Approximately five years ago, a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system was installed which is a control monitoring device for our Sewer and Water Pumpstations.

Not all of Saanich is included in the sewer system. Approximately 1/3rd 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 6 months, the Engineering Services 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, BE CAREFUL.

Protect Your Home From Flooding

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.

Homeowners Guide to Flood Prevention

• Clear eaves troughs, 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 you 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.