Flooding
What is flooding?
Flooding is a natural event where a piece of land that is usually dry is suddenly under water.
The most common forms 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.
The roads have been designed to carry the major flows in newer areas of the city. During larger rainfall events, ponding and depths of 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 be found anywhere, but more 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.
Potential effects of flooding and helpful resources
Basement or building flooding
- For back up 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 your homes foundation drainage system. Call a local professional for assessment of 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. Be sure to refer to our Landscaping and Grading webpage before changing any grading.
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. Be sure to 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 at 905-436-3311.
- If a storm sewer grate is repeatedly blocked or has a poor ability to drain water from the surface, it may be a sign of a larger problem. To report this problem, contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311.