Take steps to reduce the likelihood of flooding in your home. During heavy rainfall, some ponding and higher water in stormwater ponds is normal and may rise as much as two metres. The stormwater system will work to store the rain and drain the water gradually. 

During a storm

Some important things homeowners can do to help reduce the risk of flooding during a storm are:

• Water flow from downspouts should be directed at least 1.5 metres from the basement wall. Seal any cracks between your house and driveway.
• Flush, clean and exercise your backwater valve to make sure it moves easily.
• Make sure your sump pump is working properly. Check it by slowly pouring water into the sump tank. Watch for the "float" to rise and trigger the pump. Once the pump has started, the water level will quickly lower and the float will shut off the pump.
• If you have a rain barrel, make sure the overflow is directed away from your house.
• During times of heavy rain, conserving water in your home can help reduce the demand on our sewer system. This can help reduce sewer backups. 

Long-term solutions

Tips for homeowners to help reduce the risk of flooding long-term:

• Grade and landscape to make sure there is a positive slope away from the wall for at least the first 1.5 metres (5 feet). The ground should drop a minimum of 75mm (3 inches) in this area.
• Use landscaping to disperse the water more evenly.
• Aerate your lawn, especially if it is hard and compacted; this will help water soak into the ground.
• If you live beside a stormwater pond, leave natural plants along the shoreline. The plants help to slow the flow of water. Stormwater ponds were built to accommodate rainfalls, and rising of the water levels in the ponds is normal. It may take up to two days of dry weather for the water levels in the stormwater ponds to return to normal.