With memories of the flood of 2013 still fresh on our minds, the Region of Peel is offering two rebate programs which may be of interest to residents concerned about reducing their potential for future flood damage.
The sanitary backwater valve rebate of $700 is available to homeowners who either had a sewer backup during the storm or who reported flooding to the Region of Peel in July 2013. Backwater valves can be an effective way to stop wastewater from backing up into your basement. However, these valves may not be appropriate for all homes, must be installed properly and require ongoing maintenance.
A downspout disconnection rebate of $25 per downspout to a maximum of $75 per, is also being offered by the Region of Peel. This program involves redirecting water currently going directly from eavestroughs into the sewer, onto your lawn or side yard or swale. Keeping excess water out of the sewer system during intense waterfall would reduce the risk of flooding. It is worth noting that, in Toronto, it is now mandatory that downspouts must be directed away from the sewers. While it is probably only a matter of time until this is adopted in Mississauga, for now it is voluntary.
What can you do to protect your property from flooding? There are steps which should be taken every day to protect your home and the sanitary system.
*Please note this article was originally published in the Fall 2014 edition of The Rockwood Times.
The sanitary backwater valve rebate of $700 is available to homeowners who either had a sewer backup during the storm or who reported flooding to the Region of Peel in July 2013. Backwater valves can be an effective way to stop wastewater from backing up into your basement. However, these valves may not be appropriate for all homes, must be installed properly and require ongoing maintenance.
A downspout disconnection rebate of $25 per downspout to a maximum of $75 per, is also being offered by the Region of Peel. This program involves redirecting water currently going directly from eavestroughs into the sewer, onto your lawn or side yard or swale. Keeping excess water out of the sewer system during intense waterfall would reduce the risk of flooding. It is worth noting that, in Toronto, it is now mandatory that downspouts must be directed away from the sewers. While it is probably only a matter of time until this is adopted in Mississauga, for now it is voluntary.
What can you do to protect your property from flooding? There are steps which should be taken every day to protect your home and the sanitary system.
- Ensure that lot grading directs water away from your foundation.
- Repair any cracks or holes in the basement walls or floors.
- Disconnect down-spouts to direct water onto your lawn and away from your home.
- Consider using a rain barrel to collect rainwater.
- Keep your sewer pipe in good working order, free from collapse, tree roots, free of debris and fats, oils or greases that can lead to blockages.
- Be aware of what items are flushed or put down the sink. Seemingly small items can cause blockages when they accumulate For more information on these programs, visit peelregion.ca/flooding
*Please note this article was originally published in the Fall 2014 edition of The Rockwood Times.
