Rising Red threatens to flood Winnipeg basements, city says

Winnipeg residents should be prepared for flooded basements,city officials said.

Levels on the Red River are high and on the rise as a result of recent downpours.

The Red at James Avenue is currently sitting at 13.77 feet andexpected to go up close to a footas early as Tuesday next week.

City officials said the potential for more rain this weekend means homeowners should be keeping an eye on sump pumps and backwater valves in their homes to make sure water is draining properly.

High river levels put pressure on the citys sewage systems, because it makes them rely more on pump stations and less on the natural flow and pull of gravity.

Homeowners are advised to install and maintain backwater valves and sump pits in their basements, but the city also emphasized that it is illegal to drain sump pump waters into basement floor drains.

The citys Basement Flood Protection Program is accessible to homeowners and will subsidize 60 per cent of costs incurred during the installation of sump pits and backwater valves.