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With weather leaning towards 15 degrees this Saturday, I figured it was a good time to remind people about storm drains, and if there are issues to call 311 and report the exact location so crews can get to it.

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Keeping storm drains clear this spring

Storm drains are a part of Calgary’s stormwater system. There are about 60,000 storm drains in Calgary working to capture water and melting snow off sidewalks, streets and roads.

If it’s safe and possible to do, remove debris or snow blocking the drain. Create a channel, if need be, to help water flow.

Pooled water on your street

In communities built after 1990, The City installs devices in the storm drain to control how fast water flows into the system.  During and after a rainfall event, these devices allow water to pool on the road (usually in a depression or low spot, called a trap low), until the stormwater system can accept the extra water.

Take a picture

If the storm drain remains submerged for more than 90 minutes or you cannot safely clear ice and snow away, take a photo and submit it via the 311 App or a web request.  Attaching a photo goes a long way in helping our crews respond on a priority basis.

Sean Chu

Sean Chu arrived in Calgary from Taiwan in 1985 speaking not a word of English, and within 7 years he was a sworn officer with the Calgary Police Service. From that point on Sean worked with the Calgary Police Service as on Officer for 21 years in a number of roles until 2013.

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