Drainage and Flooding

Annual cleaning and inspection of Yorkton's storm drains and catch-basins happen as soon as conditions allow. You can report a storm drain issue online, or call the Public Works department at 306-786-1760.

Flooding can impact properties, cause creeks to flood outside their banks and overwhelm city catch basins.

City drainage networks are most vulnerable to overflow during the spring melt and after heavy rainfalls, especially in older neighbourhoods. 

What the City Does

As snow melts, and throughout the spring and summer, we will:

  • Clear open drainage channels;
  • Clear storm water detention area intakes;
  • Ensure culverts are open;
  • Open catch-basins (where the storm water runs into);
  • Flush storm piping; and
  • Pump water from City owned vacant lots into the storm system.

How You Can Help
  • Grade your property so that water does not pond 
    • While some newer neighbourhoods have City-approved grading plans, most do not. 
  • Install a basement sump pump (many residents have eliminated basement seepage by installing a second sump pump) 
  • Switch your basement sump to pump outside during the spring, summer and fall. 
    • All new sump pumps must be directed outside except in the winter. It is common for new pumps to have a diverter switch that allows homeowners to pump outside during summer an into the sewer during winter. 
  • Clear any snow or debris such as leaves and garbage out of the catch-basins.
  • Shovel snow from around your home and moving it so that it will melt and drain away from your house and its foundation
  • Create channels in the ice and snow to allow the melt water to drain away
  • Making sure to extend downspouts at least two metres away from your home so rain or meltwater drains away from your foundation
  • Checking your basement regularly for signs of water and consider installing a water-sensing alarm

Owners are responsible to ensure that melt water and storm water does not pond on their property, and also that water is not directed at their neighbours. If you change the grade of your property or install a pump, direct water to the street, or to a lane or park where it will have the smallest impact on your neighbours and other residents. 

Sump Pumps

You should check to make sure your sump pump is working. If you don't have a sump pump, consider installing one. Contact a plumber for help if you need it.

Sewer Backwater Valve

If you don't have a mainline sewer backwater valve, consider installing one to protect against sewer backup. If you have one, be sure you check it and clean regularly to make sure that it is in good working order.

Helpful Links

Emergencies happen when we don't expect them. Create an emergency plan so you can be prepared and stay safe during an emergency.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance

protect your home from basement flooding

water escape and rupture

reduce basement flooding

Overland Flood Insurance and the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program

PDAP Information

Saskatchewan Water Security

Runoff projections based on the most recent forecast

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health

Prepare for a flood

SaskPower

SaskPower's tips on what to do before, during and after a flood to protect your family and property.

General Watershed Information

Lake & Stream levels on various points throughout Saskatchewan

Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association General Information

Storm Sewer Facts

Here are some facts about our storm sewer system:

  • The storm network is 53 km in length
  • We inspect sections of the storm sewer system each year to determine their condition and make repairs based on budget
  • Catch-basin repair is an ongoing annual procedure
  • We budget for replacements of 10 catch basins annually
  • We have a total of 1000 catch basins