Development of a Sewer Upgrading Strategy for the City of Edmonton

摘要

Aging drainage infrastructure, recent growth and varying design standards over time have contributed to an uneven level of service provided to City of Edmonton (City) residents by the City's sewer systems. The result is that some neighbourhoods are more prone to sewer surcharge and basement flooding than others. To address the varying level of service, the City's Drainage Services is developing a Sewer Upgrading Strategy, which will aim to provide a more consistent level of service City-wide. There are four key components of the Sewer Upgrading Strategy, namely 1) Selection of the level of service that the sewer system should provide in each neighbourhood and how the level of service is defined and measured; 2) Development of a methodology to assess sewers and identify pipes in need of upgrades; 3) Development of a methodology for selecting and prioritizing sewer upgrade projects that will improve the level of service; and 4) Development of a long range implementation plan. Cost, technical feasibility and Drainage Services' customer expectations were considered when determining the best approach to each Strategy component. The Sewer Upgrading Strategy is largely a proactive approach to increasing the level of service provided by the sewer systems throughout the City, and is complimentary to the City's reactive approach to sewer upgrades following major rainfall events that result in sewer backup and basement flooding.