Specialized contractors will be working around Town over the next few months to flush sewer mains and inspect main water valves. This routine work helps keep these systems clear of obstructions, running properly and extends the life of critical Town infrastructure. Find more information below on what to expect while work is being done in your area and some simple precautions you can take.
Location
Northwest quadrant of town and the Okotoks Business Park.
Schedule
Work is expected to begin the week of May 11 and continues through the spring and summer months.
What to Expect
- Roads remain open, with signage placed in affected neighbourhoods to notify residents when sewer flushing is happening nearby.
- No impact to residents during valve inspections; watch for trucks in the middle of roads.
Potential Impacts: Sewer Main Flush
- While no major disruptions are expected, residents may notice bubbling in toilets or a temporary sewer odour if water traps are emptied.
- Acoustic equipment is used to emit repeating tones throughout the sewer line, which could be heard inside a home or business.
- This is nothing to worry about, but residents may notice the sound while sewer main flushing is underway.
Simple Precautions
- Keep toilet lids closed while work is happening in your neighbourhood, especially if your home doesn’t have a backflow preventer.
- If you notice an unpleasant smell, it’s likely a dry P‑trap.
- Run water down sinks or floor drains—or flush a toilet—to refill the trap and remove the odour.
Why this Work is Happening
Flushing Sewer Mains:
- This proactive maintenance helps prevent blockages and backups, and removes debris such as tree roots, grease, grit and sand.
- It also provides us the opportunity to inspect the condition of sewer system components and determine whether potential repairs or replacements are necessary.
- Sanitary sewer line flushing is a standard practice used across many municipal wastewater systems.
Valve inspections: Routine water main valve maintenance extends the life of the valves and ensures they work properly, especially during an emergency.
Image
