Utilities

What to do if your sewer backs up?

1. To avoid more sewer discharge, stop using your plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixtures include sinks, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines and any other fixtures or appliances that drain wastewater.

2. Call EPCOR. They will check the upstream and downstream manholes for flow. If the sewer main is flowing, they will direct the residents to contact a plumber. EPCOR - 403-934-9440

3. Call a plumber or drain cleaning company to determine the source and location of the blockage. Sewer blockages can happen on either the homeowner's property or along municipal property. Responsibility for the repair will depend on the location of the blockage. Property owners are responsible for blocked pipes within their property lines. The Town will reimburse costs if the blockage is deemed to be on its side of the property line.

4. Providing video documentation with measurements is required to confirm the originating location of the blockage. For full reimbursement, supply the Town with invoice(s), documents and video documentation.

Blocked sanitary pipes are the most common cause of sewer backups. Sanitary pipes are usually located between homes and the municipality's sewer main. Blockages occur for many reasons, including:

Soil Settlement, Misaligned Joints, Infiltration of Tree Roots, Collapsed Pipes, Presence of Objects or Debris, and Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG). 

Why do we have water meters?
Clean potable water is a precious commodity around the world. We are truly fortunate we have access to this water in Strathmore. Water meters will eventually be installed in all communities around North America to help detect leaks and minimize water loss. Meter technology is proven to be effective in planning facilities to meet demand and reduce the amount of unaccounted water loss (leakage) in the system.

Why does my current water meter need to be replaced?
New meters have water indicators making it easier for the homeowner to detect leaks. They are also easier for the customer to read. These new meters not only have better flow, but they also have water usage backup stored on the meter via battery. These new meters are able to detect leaks at much smaller increments allowing the homeowner to catch their leaks sooner before they get out of hand!

Is this a smart meter?
This is not a smart meter. We rely on a battery to record hourly usage, to store alerts every four hours and then to deliver a radio-frequency alert signal once a day to the office.

Who is installing the meters?
Your Town of Strathmore Utility Operator will be tasked with changing out your water meter. They have received training from the manufacturer and hold several applicable certificates. Your Utility Operator will be wearing a uniform, have photo ID, be in a marked Town of Strathmore vehicle, and have passed a police security clearance.

How do you read the meter?
The meter is tethered to a Radio Receiver. The radio receiver has three functions: first it uses a lithium battery to store your water usage (hourly and up to 35 days), second it monitors your water usage and stores alarms such as leaks; and third it communicates with the Town Office via radio tower once a month to give your read.

When do I make my appointment?
You will be contacted by the Town of Strathmore Utility Department either by notice or phone call to book your appointment at a time that is convenient for you.

What happens during the installation?
Typically the new meter and equipment will be installed in a half hour. Water interruption during this time only lasts a few minutes.
 
Where would my water meter be located?
Most water meters are in the basement where the water line enters the house (just above the main water shut-off valve) and next to the hot water tank and/or furnace.

What should I do to prepare for the service?
Locate and exercise the main water shut off valve. It is typically located on your main water line that comes out of the foundation close to the hot water tank and/or furnace. Ensure the water in your home can be completely turned off using this valve. If you find the flow of water does not stop completely, notify the Utility Department. We can try your curb shutoff prior to the appointment.

Access: Please clear the area of any personal belongings or storage so the installers have full and safe access to complete the work. This area may get wet.

Pets: It is important to have any in-home pets sequestered in a place where their well-being and the safety of the installer will not be of issue.

NOTE: We require that someone 14 years or older be home at the time of the appointment.

My shut-off valve doesn’t work, how will the installer turn the water off?

The Utility Operator has all the tools and experience required to stop the flow of water and install the new water meter at the time of your appointment. In some more challenging cases, however, a return visit may be required.

I’ve heard meters need to be calibrated?
Minerals scale mechanical meters and scale the walls of the water meter. Much like an automobile, water meters work worse with age and contribute to water loss. While the new magnetic meters work better at tracking smaller increments, they still will need to be changed out when the water loss becomes to great. Our water meters DO NOT need to be calibrated. Before the water loss becomes too great, we change out the water meter.

A final note on water loss.
Water loss exists in every municipality; there simply is no “magic way” of recording every drop of water. While the magnet system is a vast improvement over the mechanical system, water loss will still occur. Water loss in a municipality effects all residents. It increases services, water rates and effects the budgets of other departments tasked with infrastructure upgrades, repairs and projects.

Be mindful of how you use water! Visit the Town website for the current water rate and compare your day-to-day usage with your water meter to figure out how much water you use. Share this information with your family and encourage everyone to conserve water.