Sewer and Stormwater

Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer lines, lift stations, and all sanitary storm sewer repairs.

About Our System

The Town’s sanitary collection system consists of approximately 102 km of gravity sanitary sewer and 6.5 km of force mains. Pipe diameters range from 100 mm to 1,050 mm, with most of the system consisting of 200 mm PVC pipe constructed during the 2000s and 2010s.

Wastewater from the Town discharges into the ARROW Utilities Parkland Sanitary Trunk Sewer, which conveys wastewater from Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Acheson, and Parkland County to the regional wastewater treatment plant.

The Town also operates four public lift stations:

Quance Lift Station
South Ridge Lift Station
Country Plains Lift Station
North Business Park Lift Station

Resident Resources

Resident participation is essential to the wastewater and sanitary system's overall health and performance. By monitoring flushables and contents entering the system, residents play a large role in keeping the system clear.

There are a variety of ways residents can get involved in maintaining the sewer system.

Wastewater 101: Flushables

Only flush the 3 Ps: Pee, Poo, and (toilet) Paper

Even if the package says "flushable", it won't necessarily break down like toilet paper is designed to do. These products stay intact and can clog your pipes resulting in damage. It's better to throw these items directly into the garbage.

Don't flush:

“Flushable” wipes
Paper products, such as paper towel and facial tissue
Feminine hygiene products
Dental floss
Cotton balls and swabs
Diapers
Condoms
Medications
Household garbage or organics
Fats, oils, or grease

Keeping these materials out of the wastewater system helps prevent clogged pipes, sewer backups, and costly maintenance of the sewer infrastructure.

Wastewater 101: Inflow & Infiltration

What is Inflow and Infiltration?

Inflow and infiltration (I&I) occur when rainwater and groundwater enter the wastewater system through manholes, pipe joints, concrete cracks, and other unintended pathways. Usually, this extra water is relatively clean, and it takes up valuable capacity in the larger system and places significant pressure on infrastructure.

Wastewater is defined as the composite of water and water-carried waste discharged into the wastewater (sewer) system. The wastewater system is designed to collect, transport and treat wastewater from homes and businesses.

Why does it matter?

Typically, the wastewater generated is from homes, businesses, industrial sites and institutions (e.g. schools and hospitals). However, during intense weather events, the stormwater system can become overwhelmed, which results in accumulating rainwater and groundwater entering the wastewater system.

What is the real impact?

Although a small amount of inflow and infiltration is okay, excessive amounts could lead to sanitary backups into homes and buildings. Additional amounts of rainfall entering the system must be pumped, transported and treated placing excessive pressure on the municipal and regional infrastructure.

Why is it hard to address?

Addressing I&I is a long-term challenge that requires considerable and ongoing investment in wastewater infrastructure and system maintenance. As the wastewater system ages, more I&I may occur naturally.

What can residents do to help?

Not every source of I&I can be eliminated, but we all can do our part. Keep rainwater and groundwater away from the sanitary system. It's tempting to connect your sump pumps to the sanitary line, but this practice can result in more sanitary sewer backups.

Storm Pond Safety

Storm water ponds aren’t just nice scenery, they are an integral part of the community’s drainage system

Each storm water wet pond in Stony Plain works to reduce the risk of flooding and minimize erosion by controlling the rate at which collected water is released into the surrounding creeks. Contaminated water entering the pond is naturally processed without the need for additional equipment. Water quality increases while simultaneously creating new habitats for local wildlife.

In these ponds, water is constantly flowing beneath the surface, and water levels fluctuate, and they often have soft or vegetated bottoms. Because of these factors, they are not safe for recreational activity. In the summer months, this applies to any water-based activity such as swimming or boating.

These ponds are also not safe for our four-legged friends! Bacteria and invasive species found within the pond water can be hazardous to both you and your pets. Keep the whole family safe by avoiding contact.

IN AN EMERGENCY: Call 911. Do not enter the water or go onto the ice to attempt a rescue.

Keep off the ice!

Ice-skating and walking on frozen storm water ponds is strictly prohibited as a measure to keep everyone safe. Although they may appear safe because of a layer of ice, the pond water may contain road salts and other materials that impact ice thickness and make it highly unpredictable. Even during the winter months, water is continuously circulating, and water levels can rise and fall. Consider your friends, family, and your own well-being this winter season and stay off this hard-working infrastructure.

IN AN EMERGENCY: Call 911. Do not enter the water or go onto the ice to attempt a rescue.

Alternative Recreation Sites

Storm water ponds are not suitable for recreational activity at any time of year. There are plenty of options for safe swimming and skating here in town! Find a complete list of our recreational facilities.

Sump Pump Drainage

Keep Clean Water Out of the Sewers. Check your sump, protect your home, protect our wastewater system

Sump pumps, foundation drains, and downspouts connections introduce unnecessary water into the sanitary system especially during intense rainfalls. This extra flow contributes to sanitary sewer backups and household damage.

How you can help:

Check your sump pump or foundation drain system: these should not connect to sanitary plumbing
Direct roof drainage appropriately: downspouts should not connect to sanitary plumbing; some homes have designated connections to a storm pipe; if not available, this discharge should be directed to the ground away from foundations and sidewalks
Maintain lot grading: ensure water drains away from your house foundation.

Wastewater Maintenance and Services

Sewer Inspections

The Town uses closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to inspect the inside of sanitary (and storm) sewer pipes. A specialized camera travels through the sewer and allows the Town to see the condition of the underground pipes without digging up the road.

The Town has established CCTV main inspection program as part of its asset management program, and aims to inspect several kilometers of sanitary sewers per year. These inspections help identify structural pipe condition, operational concerns and evidence of inflow and infiltration.

By understanding the condition of the underground system, the Town can make better decisions about where to invest capital and operating funds.

Flushing Program

Prior to undertaking a CCTV inspection, a sewer is flushed to remove debris and clear any blockage that may obstruct a camera from completing a thorough inspection. The Town follows a flush-and-capture practice, such that any loosened debris is collected and does not enter the regional system.

In addition, the Town performs uni-directional sewer flushing and cleaning as part of its ongoing wastewater system maintenance program. High pressure water can be used to remove accumulated debris and keep the sewers flowing properly.

Service applications

Need to start water and sewer service?

Existing property owners can apply for Town utility services online, by phone or in person at Town Office.

Building or need a new water/sewer connection?

New service connections require an application and technical review by the Town to ensure that servicing is available and that the proposed connection meets Town’s Engineering Design Standards. Additional information, technical assessments, permits, fees or approvals may be required depending on the scope of the development.

Utility Locate Requests

Planning to dig, landscape, build a fence, plant a tree or undertake construction?

Make sure underground utilities are located before work begins. Residents should submit utility locate requests through Utility Safety Partners, Alberta’s “Click Before You Dig” service. The request is free and automatically notifies the affected utility owners based on the excavation area.

Utility locates help identify underground infrastructure and reduce the risk of damaging water, wastewater and other buried services. Residents and contractors should obtain the appropriate utility locates before excavation begins.

Know Before You Report

We all have a responsibility to care for the wastewater system.

Check out the Town vs Property Owners Responsibilities.

Have a public drainage, sewer, infrastructure or storm pond problem in your neighbourhood? Please report it.

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