Yard Flooding Emergencies or Inquiries?
(519) 661-4570 (Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm)
(519) 661-4965 (After hours)
Yard Flooding
Yard flooding affects residents in many municipalities, including the city of
London. Yard flooding generally occurs during snow melts and/or heavy rainfalls.
Here are some
tips to help
reduce the possibility of flooding in your yard.
How much flooding is normal?
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Depending on how hard or how long it rains will affect how much flooding
occurs on your property. A powerful thunderstorm can bring large amounts
of rain in a short period of time making it hard for the ground to
absorb water as fast as it is falling. On the other hand, a steady rain
that occurs over a long period of time - such as, a few days - can cause
the ground to become saturated making it hard for the ground to continue
to absorb the rain.
New subdivisions are designed to carry rain water across properties
at specific locations, also known as overland flow routes. Overland flow routes are shown on lot grading drawings. Unfortunately, many older subdivisions were designed and constructed
without overland flow routes. |
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Saturated backyard |
My neighbour has caused flooding on my property. What can I do?
A flooding concern between two or more property owners is referred to as a
“neighbour to neighbour issue” and it is up to the property owners involved to
resolve the issue. The City of London is not responsible for flooding
concerns between property owners. If you feel your neighbour(s) has caused
flooding on your property, it is suggested that you politely discuss the concern
with your neighbour to come up with a solution that benefits all property owners
involved. If available, a lot grading plan of your area may be obtained
from the City to find out how the properties in your area are to drain. If
an amicable resolution cannot be found, it may be possible to make changes on
your own property to improve the situation. As a last resort, legal action
could be taken between the neighbours involved.
How much will it cost to fix?
The cost of implementing yard flooding mitigation measures will depend on the
amount of work undertaken. It is always a good idea to get several
estimates to select the best solution (and the best value) for your home. The City of London does not pay for damages caused by yard flooding.
How can I help reduce yard flooding?
If you have experienced yard flooding on your own (private) property, here
are a few tips to help you manage or reduce the risk of damage to your property
or those around you.
How can I help reduce road and sidewalk flooding?
On City property, the rain water and/or snow melt runs along the curb and
into catch basins. The catch basins are connected to the storm sewers that
eventually take the water to the river. Sometimes these catch basins
become covered with leaves, debris or snow. Although the City is
responsible for maintaining almost 29,000 catch basins, the City can not
possibly clear off every catch basin in the city prior to or during a rain
event. It may be a good idea to make sure the catch basins in your area
have not been blocked with leaves or other debris, if you can do so safely. When leaves and debris cover the catch basin the water on the road has no where
to escape and can cause increased ponding on the streets or make its way onto
private property such as the front lawn.
Can my sump pump and/or downspouts discharge to the road or sidewalk?
Your sump pump discharge pipe and
downspouts should outlet to your own
property, preferably the lawn. It should not outlet to your neighbours' property
or City property, which includes the sidewalk and road. Damage to the
sidewalk or road can occur when water is directed towards them. Also,
depending on the time of year, the water on the sidewalk and road can freeze
creating a hazard for pedestrians and vehicles.
Flooding in London
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This is a photo taken December 2008 when an accumulation of snow melted,
the ground was saturated and/or frozen, and water could not escape from
the backyards. At first glance, it appears this is a terrible
flooding situation but ,at closer inspection, things could have been a lot
worse. Although the backyards have a substantial amount of water,
it is not entering the homes. Proper grading has forced the water
to stay in the backyard and not enter the home through a basement window
or another opening. |
| Backyard
flooding |
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