Catch Basins: Small Actions, Big Impact

Catch basins, also called storm drains, are part of a city-wide system that helps manage snow melt, run-off, and rain in Wetaskiwin. We have 968 catch basins in the city to maintain.

Keep Catch Basins Clear 

Catch basins work to prevent flooding. When they get clogged with debris, they can back up and cause flooding. There are easy actions residents can take to help keep catch basins clear. Throughout the winter, spring, and fall, residents are encouraged to keep their catch basins clear of snow, ice, leaves, and other debris. 

Following a snowfall, residents can also help by shoveling snow to the right of their driveways and before the curb (when facing the road), rather than shoveling snow onto the curb where ice can build up and block the system.

In the spring and fall, residents are encouraged to remove debris such as leaves and twigs from catch basins. 

Never Pour Anything Down a Catch Basin 

Catch basins provide drainage for melting snow and stormwater. Water that flows to catch basins is not piped to water treatment facilities to be treated before it returns to streams, rivers, and other natural spaces. Because of this, it is very important that residents do not place or pour anything into catch basins. The result could cause water contamination and harm to natural areas.