Town encourages residents to take practical steps to reduce flooding risks on their property

With the arrival of fall, the Town of Oakville is reminding residents to take proactive steps to help reduce the risk of flooding on their properties and support the community's overall stormwater system.

Fall weather can bring intense rainfall, strong winds and large amounts of fallen leaves that can clog catch basins, roadside drains, eavestroughs and downspouts. Taking simple preventative actions around the home can help protect properties, reduce stormwater impacts and improve drainage when heavy rain hits.

Fall flooding preparedness reminders

To help reduce flood risks during the fall rainy season, residents are encouraged to: 

• Clear leaves and debris from eavestroughs, downspouts, window wells and drainage swales.
• Keep nearby catch basins on your street free of leaves and other materials that may restrict water flow.
• Ensure sump pumps are functioning properly.
• Direct downspouts away from building foundations and toward appropriate drainage areas.
• Check basement areas regularly for signs of water infiltration and ensure backwater valves are maintained according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Safely store important documents and valuables in locations less vulnerable to water damage.
• Set up an Emergency Preparedness kit for your family and pets. If you have to leave your home in case of flood evacuation, follow the advice and directions of local emergency officials. 
• Prepare for severe weather by reviewing emergency plans and monitoring weather forecasts. 
• If you have to leave your home in case of flood evacuation, follow the advice and directions of local emergency officials.
• Subscribe to Conservation Halton and Credit Valley Conservation flood alert messages. You can also sign up for the Town’s e-Alerts for critical service updates in case of weather emergencies. 

Visit the Flooding and Flood Protection pages as well as the Ditches and Driveway Culverts page for more safety tips and information, including who to contact for flood related issues.

Quick facts

• Fall leaves and debris can significantly reduce the capacity of catch basins and drainage systems during heavy rainfall.
• Private drainage matters are generally the responsibility of the property owner. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining lot grading, swales, downspouts, ditches, and driveway culverts on their property to ensure water drains properly and does not impact neighbouring properties. For more information visit the Property Drainage and Grading page. 
• Basement flooding can occur when intense rainfall exceeds the capacity of drainage systems or when private infrastructure is not properly maintained.
• Residents can play an important role in helping reduce localized flooding by keeping drainage pathways clear throughout the fall season.
• The Town continues to invest in stormwater infrastructure improvements and flood mitigation measures across the community. However, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, making property-level preparedness increasingly important.