Last week, the Town of Blackfalds issued a warning about spring thaw affecting the local homes' sewer and water services.

For the next three weeks, homeowners are at risk of encountering frozen pipes, and at worst, a backed up sewer system.

“With such a cold and frigid February and the quick warming this last week we’ve had some deep penetration of frost against the ground…” explained Preston Warren, director of infrastructure and property services for the Town of Blackfalds adding, “We’re just asking residents to either call their plumber or the town office if they are concerned or suspect that freezing affected them with their house services.”

”They might notice that there is low or no water pressure. In some cases when they flush the toilet there might be a slow flush or a gurgling that can appear,” says Warren.

However, this year has been relatively good, no residents have seen flooding and there have only been a couple of sewage system backups.

The best thing homeowners can do is make sure that everything is flowing regularly, according to Warren.

“A number of our frozen services happen because the homeowners were out of the house for a long period of time. So of course, if you can keep those services flowing and regularly, flushing the toilets or even potentially having a neighbour come to check on your house and flush the toilet here and there that usually helps.”

If homeowners notice anything irregular they are urged to call a plumber or the Town of Blackfalds. The public works after hours call line is (403) 340-9593. For more information, click here.