Flooding
Flooding is a natural event where a piece of land that is usually dry is suddenly underwater.
Types of flooding in Oshawa
Creek flooding
Creek flooding occurs when the flow rate exceeds the size of a creek, causing overtopping of the creek banks.
Affected lands are located in a natural floodplain and/or along a creek.
Urban flooding
Urban flooding occurs when the rainfall exceeds the capacity of a drainage system, causing the backup in the storm sewer and/or foundation drain systems.
Roads in newer areas of the city are designed to carry the significant flows.. During larger rainfall events, ponding and deeper water should be expected within the road and boulevard.
The areas most affected are lands in the older parts of the city where the roadway design did not consider the passage of any major flows.
Localized flooding
Localized flooding occurs when surface flow paths are blocked or restricted.
It can happen anywhere, but more often in the older parts of the city when grading changes have been done prior to the passing of the City's Site Alteration by-law in 2006.
Resources
Basement or building flooding
- For backup through basement floor drains, contact the Region of Durham Works Department Depot at 905-655-3344.
- Seepage through basement walls and floors may indicate a problem with the foundation of your home drainage system. Call a local professional to assess the weeping system around the footing of your home.
- Surface flows entering through the lowest opening of a building can be resolved by redirecting drainage away from your home. Before changing any grading ensure you refer to our Landscaping and Grading webpage.
Property flooding
- Visit the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority website for more information on flood status and flood forecasting caused by creeks overflowing their banks after heavy rainfall or snow and ice melt.
- Your lot may have poor grading, such as low lying areas, which allow water to pond before draining away. Refer to our Landscaping and Grading webpage before changing any grading.
Roadway flooding
- If you notice that a sewer grate is clogged with debris such as leaves, snow or ice, clear it out or contact Service Oshawa.
- If a storm sewer grate is repeatedly blocked or has a poor ability to drain water from the surface, it may signify a larger problem. To report this concern, contact Service Oshawa.
Resources
