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Edmonton has nearly 200 stormwater facilities. These are part of EPCOR's integrated drainage system and they have a job to do. Stormwater facilities reduce the risk of neighbourhood flooding by managing runoff and eventually sending stormwater to the North Saskatchewan River (NSR).
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Stormwater facilities aren't safe for any type of recreation because inlet and outlet pipes keep water continuously flowing.
The function of these facilities, in conjunction with fluctuating weather patterns, can produce unpredictable and dangerous conditions not visible on the surface.
Though you may have used a stormwater facility recreationally before, things have changed. Research shows how dangerous stormwater facilities are. And with more facilities being built in our growing city there is a higher need for safety precautions.
EPCOR's number one priority around stormwater facilities is the safety of our customers and employees. Please be safe, no one should be using these facilities for any kind of recreation.
To ensure public safety at the stormwater facilities, all activities that may result in direct contact with the water are prohibited (Drainage Bylaw 18093). To help the public recognize these facilities, EPCOR is installing signage indicating that a citizen is near a stormwater facility and identifying activities that are prohibited.
Identifying stormwater facilities is tricky. Keep off any pond you are unable to identify.
View our map of sites unsafe for recreational use.
Once frozen over, a stormwater facility may look safe, but it's what's below the surface that makes it different from ponds.
Stay off stormwater facilities
As a part of the integrated drainage system, stormwater facilities have a job to do: reduce the risk of flooding in our neighbourhoods.
Stormwater facilities have a job to do
Stormwater facilities are hard to identify. Educate yourself and your family on where to find safer sites to recreate.
Know your options
Stormwater facilities aren't safe for any type of recreation because inlet and outlet pipes keep water continuously flowing beneath the frozen top layer.
Though you may have used a stormwater facility recreationally before, things have changed. Research conducted by the University of Alberta shows how dangerous stormwater facilities are. And with more facilities being built in our growing city and warmer winter temperatures caused by climate change, there is a higher need for safety precautions.
As a part of the integrated drainage system, stormwater facilities reduce the risk of neighbourhood flooding by managing runoff and eventually sending it to the river.
We don't know what makes up the ice or water in a stormwater facility. It may include contaminated materials that impact ice quality and make ice thickness highly unpredictable.
Detergents
Antifreeze
Oils
Road salt
Pesticides
Fertilizer
Animal waste
Litter
Here's what can happen without neighbourhood stormwater facilities:
Don't take a chance. Educate yourself on where to find safer sites to recreate.
View our map of safe recreational rinks to enjoy this winter.
View our report.
