Drainage

There are many kilometers of open ditches and closed storm systems within the District of Squamish. Associated with these drainage systems are: culvert heads and catch basins / storm drains (metal grates in the road or sidewalk curb). Maintaining the flow of water through culverts and into catch basins is critical to avoiding localized flooding and ensuring safe roadways.

During heavy rainfall events, the District’s Roads and Drainage crew is out and about checking, and where required, clearing, the above items of debris (fallen leaves, branches, etc.) and any garbage that may impede storm water flow.

Please familiarize yourself with the drainage infrastructure in your neighbourhood and take steps to clear any debris, garbage, or snow from culverts, catch basins and storm drains in the event that you notice they are blocked.  The District asks that residents do not dump yard waste (grass clippings, etc.) into open ditches as they again hinder the flow of storm water. Thank you very much for your help in keeping Squamish safe and beautiful!

If you drainage issues related to your ditch or culvert, please contact the Operations office at 604-815-6868 to inspect.

Pressure Reducing Valves

A pressure-reducing valve (PRV) is typically used to maintain constant pressure levels in a home.  The District of Squamish Bylaw 676, section 6(c) references this and the 2006 BC Building Code, Part 7 – Plumbing Services, requires every home to have a PRV installed as a secondary measure against failure with the mainline.   PRV also guards against pressure surges in the event of hydrant usage. 

Please make sure your home has a PRV installed.

If You Have Low Water Pressure in Your Home

If you have low water pressure in your home, please inspect your water system before calling the District for assistance. 

What to look for:

Check that the pressure-reducing valve (PRV) is operating correctly and that the screen in the unit is clean.  Your PRV is cone-shaped and should be located at or near where the water service enters the house.  We advise that you hire a qualified plumber to carry out this procedure, especially if you're unfamiliar with your water system and plumbing.

Check that there are no leaks anywhere on the private side of the water service or in the home. Common indoor plumbing leaks include leaking faucets, toilets, hot water tank pressure relief valves etc. 

Signs of underground leaking are:

• Water surfacing
• Soft or constant wet spots in your yard
• Areas where your lawn appears to be much greener than the rest of the yard

For information please call the Operations Department at 604-815-6868