Residents in Peterborough are being asked to temporarily reduce non-essential water use as heavy rainfall puts added pressure on the city’s wastewater system.
Officials say forecasts call for significant rain over the coming days, combined with increased runoff from upstream areas, including the Haliburton–Reservoir Lakes region. The added water is increasing flows into the municipal wastewater network.
While the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is operating within capacity and continuing to treat water as expected, it is experiencing higher-than-normal volumes.
During major rain events, additional water can enter the sanitary sewer system through foundation drains, pipe cracks, and improperly connected sump pumps or downspouts — a process known as inflow and infiltration.
Officials say even small changes by residents can help reduce peak demand during these periods. They are encouraging people to delay activities such as laundry and dishwashing, take shorter showers, avoid filling bathtubs and turn off taps when not in use.
Homeowners are also reminded to ensure sump pumps discharge outside, keep downspouts disconnected from sanitary sewers, and direct water away from foundations.
The city says these temporary measures can help ease strain on sewer infrastructure and pumping stations during periods of heavy rainfall.
