City Encourages Temporary Water Conservation Due to Significant Rainfall

Peterborough, ON – Residents are encouraged to temporarily reduce non-essential water use to help lower the volume of water being processed by the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. 

Forecasts indicate significant rainfall over the next several days, combined with increased runoff from upstream areas, including the Haliburton–Reservoir Lakes region. This is increasing the volume of water entering the municipal wastewater system and placing additional pressure on sewer infrastructure. 

The Wastewater Treatment Plant is experiencing higher-than-normal flows. It is operating within capacity, and treatment is taking place as expected. 

During major wet weather events, rainwater can reach the sanitary sewer through foundation drains, cracks in pipes, and improperly connected sump pumps or downspouts. This additional flow, known as inflow and infiltration, adds to the volume that must be carried and treated. 

To help manage these temporary increases, residents are encouraged to reduce non-essential water use for short periods during significant rainfall events. When many households take steps to limit indoor water use, these actions help lower peak flows and reduce pressure on sewer pipes and pumping stations during extreme conditions. 

Residents can assist by delaying laundry and dishwasher use, taking shorter showers, avoiding full bathtub fills, and turning off taps when not in use. Homeowners can also help reduce stormwater entering the sanitary system by ensuring sump pumps discharge outside, keeping downspouts disconnected from sanitary sewers, and directing roof drainage away from foundations.

For more information on water conservation during weather events, visit peterborough.ca/conservewater.