City of Peterborough Encourages Temporary Water Conservation During Wet-Weather Events

The City of Peterborough is encouraging residents to temporarily reduce non-essential water use to help lower the volume of water entering the City of Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City is issuing the warning following heavy snowmelt and a winter with substantial snow accumulation, with heavy rainfall forecast for Wednesday.

According to the City, heavy rainfall and spring snowmelt can significantly increase the amount of water entering the municipal wastewater system, placing additional pressure on the sewer infrastructure during wet-weather events.  

The Wastewater Treatment Plant is experiencing higher-than-normal flows of water into the facility for treatment. It is operating within capacity and treatment is taking place as expected. 

During major wet-weather events, rainwater and melting snow can enter the sanitary sewer through foundation drains, cracks in pipes, and improperly connected sump pumps or downspouts. This additional flow, known as inflow and infiltration, adds to the volume that must be carried and treated. 

To help manage these temporary increases, residents are encouraged to reduce non-essential water use for short periods during significant rainfall or snowmelt events. When many households take simple steps to limit indoor water use, these actions help lower peak flows and reduce pressure on sewer pipes and pumping stations during extreme conditions.

Residents can assist by delaying laundry and dishwasher use, taking shorter showers, avoiding full bathtub fills and turning off taps when not in use. Homeowners can also help reduce stormwater entering the sanitary system by ensuring sump pumps discharge outside, keeping downspouts disconnected from sanitary sewers, and directing roof drainage away from foundations. 

These actions help reduce pressure on the wastewater system during wet weather periods.

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