Wastewater Treatment and Disposal

Strathmore works with our partners at EPCOR to manage wastewater treatment and disposal.
Report a sewer backup and blockage to the Infrastructure Department during normal operating hours.
For after hours emergency response, contact EPCOR.
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

 

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 the towns 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. 
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). 

Fats, Oils, and Grease - FOGs

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.

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.

View our Bypass the Bowl handout for information on what not flush down the toilet.