Residents are being asked to temporarily limit non-essential water use as snowmelt and heavy rainfall hit this week, placing extra pressure on the City’s wastewater system.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant is operating within capacity, but inflow from melting snow, rain, and improperly connected sump pumps or downspouts can increase volumes that need treatment.
The City advises households to delay laundry and dishwasher use, take shorter showers, avoid filling bathtubs completely, and turn off taps when not in use. Homeowners should ensure sump pumps discharge outside, downspouts are disconnected from sanitary sewers, and roof drainage is directed away from foundations.
These steps help reduce peak flows, easing the strain on sewer pipes and pumping stations during wet weather events.
More information is available at peterborough.ca/conservewater.

