Sewer, Water, and General Inquiries

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Managing Strathmore's water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems, the Infrastructure team works closely with our partners at EPCOR and the Town's Operations Department. 
General Infrastructure Department

403-361-2108 / infrastructure@strathmore.ca
EPCOR 24hour Emergency Response Line

403-934-9440 

Utilities Department - 403-361-2101 / utilities@strathmore.ca - utility bill inquiry, bulk water and meters
Drinking Water - taste, odour and appearance questions?
The taste, odour, and appearance of our drinking water may vary at difference times of the years, specifically spring - due to runoff, and late summer/early fall. 
"our source water can experience elevated levels of geosmin, a harmless, naturally occurring compound, in the water in the late summer and early fall.  This can produce a temporary, earthy or musty change to the taste and odour of your water, but it remains safe to drink and continues to meet all guidelines set by provincial and federal health standards."
A change in your water taste, odour or appearance does not mean it is unsafe to drink. Visit the City of Calgary's website for more information. 
Important Information on our sewer system, water supply and storm drainage;
Sewer Blockages

Stop using your plumbing fixtures to avoid more sewer discharge. Plumbing fixtures include sinks, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines and any other fixtures or appliances that drain wastewater. Start containment and clean up of sewer discharge.
Contact Infrastructure Department to report sewer blockage location; 403-361-2108 / infrastructure@strathmore.ca
EPCOR will be dispatched to check the upstream and downstream public sewer main flow. If the public main is blocked, the obstruction will be removed to restore service. The property owner will be notified of expected timeline and when service is restored.
If the public sewer main is flowing and operating normally, indications are that the private sewer line is the cause of the sewer backup. The property owner will be notified and advised to contact a plumber/ drain cleaning company/sewer cleaner.
Call a plumber to determine the source and location of the blockage. Sewer blockages can happen on either side of the property line. Property owners are responsible for determining the location of the blockage and subsequently removing the blockage and repairing the blocked sewer lines on their property. Providing video documentation with measurements is required to confirm the originating location of the blockage. *For full reimbursement, the location and cause of blockage must be the Town’s responsibility.
Blocked sanitary pipes are the most common cause of sewer backups. Blockages occur for many reasons, including; soil settlement, misaligned joints, infiltration of tree roots, collapsed pipes, presence of objects or debris, and fats, oils, and greases (FOG). 
Wastewater System

Working with our partners at EPCOR and adhering to the standards set out by the Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Municipal Wastewater Program, Strathmore's wastewater is collected, filtered and treated before it returns to our natural rivers and streams.
Responsible Sewer Use
The items listed below do not biodegrade, and do not belong in a toilet or sewer system. They cause blockages in sewer connections, mains and pumping stations. Blockages cause backups into homes and can discharges into the environment. All of this results in additional expenses in maintenance and repair costs.

The following items SHOULD NOT be flushed down a toilet;

Houseplant leaves and clippings

Silt or mud

Rags

Human or animal hair

Tea bags

 Coffee grounds

Filters

Cooking grease or animal grease
Cigarettes, cigars, butts

Cat litter

Solvents or paint

Sanitary napkins and tampons
Disposable diapers Condoms

Boxes, packaging, and wrappers

 Tampon applicators

 
Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOG)
The most common problem related to sewer lines is from fats, oils, and grease (FOG) being poured down drains or flushed down toilets. FOG quickly cools and attaches to pipes. As the FOG builds up, it causes blockages and backups in pipes and sewer systems.

Fat, oil and grease (FOG) are by-products of cooking at home and in businesses.

Fats; butter, margarine, ice cream, cheese, meat, etc.
Oils; salad dressings, cooking frying oils, olive oil, sauces, etc.
Grease; chicken, hamburgers, bacon, etc.

If you dispose of FOG incorrectly, it can have a huge impact on the environment, your home or business and the drain systems in our region. Most commonly, FOG can cause build-ups and blockages in drains that can cause costly repairs. It might seem harmless to pour fat, oil and grease (FOG) down the drain. But after it's had some time to build up, it can cause serious problems for you and your neighbours.

Contain It, Don't Drain It!

  • Pour oil and grease into an empty metal container or can. When it cools, throw it in the trash.
  • Wipe out greasy pans with a paper towel before washing.
  • Use a sink strainer to prevent food bits from going down the drain.
  • Extend the life of cooking oil by straining or filtering it.
  • Mix FOG with an absorbent material like cat litter or coffee grounds. Seal it in a container and throw it in the trash.

View our Avoid the Drain handout for information on what not put down the sink.