Water Week is Here – Be Water Wise!

The City of Saskatoon and communities across Canada are celebrating Water Week, March 21-27, 2016; it’s a time to recognize the critical role water plays in our daily lives and how it contributes to the overall quality of life we enjoy in Saskatoon.

“This year we want to remind residents to be water wise and reduce their impact on the environment,” says Tim Bushman, Plant Manager at Saskatoon Water. “Our awareness campaign will encourage people to get involved and share what they learn with friends and family.”

Starting Monday, residents can submit their answer to the Water Week Question of the Day on the City’s Facebook page. Participants have a chance to win a $25 gift card for any City leisure activity. Questions will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about:

• processes we use to provide a clean and safe water supply,
• environmental protection through management of the wastewater & storm water collection systems,
• tips for properly disposing of waste which may cause system blockages.

The City maintains 1,074 kilometres of sanitary sewer pipes which collect and transport all of the waste water from your sink and tub drains, toilets and floor drains. When animal and vegetable fats, as well as oil used in cooking and preparing foods go down the drain, they can build-up along the walls of the pipes, creating obstructions that can cause sewer backups.

The issue compounds when obstructions such as grease build-up or tree roots exist, and other inorganic materials, such as cleaning wipes and sanitary products are flushed. Not only does it prevent proper flow in the sanitary sewer system, it can result in a messy and costly basement backup.

“When fats, oil, grease, and cleaning/sanitary products go down the drain, they clog pipes, create odours and can cause sewer backups,” says Bushman. “On average the City responds to approximately 100 sewer main blockages per year due to grease and over 3,500 home blockages which are due to roots, grease and wipes flushed down the line. Approximately 20% of that total is due to grease/personal hygiene and cleaning products.”

Residents can avoid blockages and sewage backups through proper disposal techniques:

• Wipe cooking oil, butter, sauces and salad dressing off cooking equipment with paper towels before washing;
• Scrape and toss any leftover solid food into a garbage container before washing the dishes or placing them in the dishwasher;
• Never put eggshells, coffee grounds, or kitty litter down the drain or toilet;
• Collect excess fats and oils in a sealed container and place in your Black Cart;
• Cleaning wipes/personal hygiene products should not be flushed down the toilet, but thrown out with your regular garbage (even ones advertised as flushable wipes); and
• Use recycling centres to dispose of motor oil and other hazardous materials.

Find more ways to Put Waste in the Right Place at saskatoon.ca/recycle

The storm water sewer runs alongside the sanitary sewer, collecting rain and snow melt water that drain into the catch basins on the street to prevent flooding. These pipes lead directly to the South Saskatchewan River. It is important that other chemicals and waste do not enter our storm water sewer system, as it can harm fish and wildlife, as well as reduce water quality for human use. The City is partnering with Meewasin this spring to educate students about the storm water system and will be sponsoring a community-based awareness program called Yellow Fish Road. Groups are encouraged to sign up for kits to paint yellow fish beside catch basins and distribute information to their neighbours.

“A clean and safe water supply and environmental protection are top priorities for the City of Saskatoon, as we know they are too for our citizens,” says Bushman. “Our staff works hard and takes pride in these services and are committed to ensuring all precautions are taken to keep our citizens safe when work or construction is occurring on the water, wastewater and storm sewer systems.”

Like Saskatoon City News on Facebook for our daily contest where there are lots of cool prizes! Check out saskatoon.ca/waterweek for tips and information and take a video tour of the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant and Water Treatment Plant.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City on Twitter and Facebook.