Operations staff from the Town of Olds are urging people to get splash pads or proper extensions on their downspouts to deal with all the rain that has been falling in the community recently.
“We really encourage people, if you don't have extensions on your downspouts, maybe get a splash pad and point it away from your neighbour's property, because we are hearing more and more of those concerns being brought forward,” said Larry Wright, the town's director of operations.
The town has a program in which it will cost share with some homeowners on proper downspout extensions, splash pads or sump pumps. The town has contacted about 900 homeowners about the program, but Wright said the response has been less than what the town had hoped.
Wright said staff are continuing to monitor the town's sewage system in light of the fact that the ground is so saturated that rainwater is entering the sewage system.
On lots that are flat or have grades running towards a structure, the weeping tile isn't able to handle the amount of ground and surface water that is currently in the water table, he explained, noting the tiles are designed to take water away from the foundation.
“We have emergency overflow systems and storage systems but they're presently being taxed to the limit right now,” he said.
Wright said town staff will be re-grading laneways and re-gravelling in areas such as 70 Avenue south as soon as they are able.
Despite heavy rains in recent weeks, the town has not experienced any problems with flooding or road washouts so far.
