Bragg Creek’s wastewater system is seeing improvements but is still experiencing “significantly higher than normal inflows,” Rocky View County says.
In an Aug. 13 update on its website, the county said this marks “steady progress” from the “extreme inflows” the system experienced for the past three weeks, though conditions remain dependent on weather.
“The high groundwater table is still affecting the system, and we appreciate residents’ continued efforts to limit water use where possible,” the county said.
It said, “Simple steps—such as reducing laundry loads, shortening showers, ensuring sump pumps are not entering the wastewater system, and avoiding unnecessary drain use—are making a real difference.”
Earlier updates
On July 28, the county reported “encouraging signs” as inflow volumes to the wastewater treatment plant had decreased slightly, though they remained “well above system capacity.”
“Your water conservation efforts are helping — thank you!” the county said at the time. “Crews continue to haul excess wastewater and utilize system storage to help manage flow volumes.”
That update also announced inspections of E1 lift stations in Bragg Creek on July 29 and 30 as part of an investigation into the source of excess water entering the system.
“As part of our investigation into the source of excess water entering the system, Rocky View County staff will be conducting site visits and inspections of E1 lift stations throughout Bragg Creek, on the following dates,” the county said. Staff, in marked vehicles and with official identification, would knock on doors before entering yards and would not enter homes.
The county said the inspections were “critical in helping identify whether groundwater is entering the wastewater system.”
On July 24, the county issued an urgent wastewater advisory saying the system was “at risk of overload and potential backups.”
Residents were asked to “delay doing laundry, minimize toilet flushing, dishwasher use, and taking long showers.” The county noted drinking water was not affected and advised those with sump pumps to ensure they were not discharging into the sanitary sewer system.
In a section titled Help Keep Our Wastewater System Flowing Properly, the county said sump pumps are meant to move groundwater away from a home’s foundation, not into the wastewater system. “When they’re hooked into the sewer line, it can overwhelm the system, cause backups, and increase maintenance costs.”
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