News

20Mar 2020

Keeping Our Sanitary Sewer System Functional During COVID-19

The City of Martensville continues to work with its stakeholders in the region in keeping with information being provided by the Province and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to implement safety measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The health, safety and well-being of the public and our employees is our top priority.  The City is committed to ensuring as much as possible that core programs and services are not impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

At the same time we are urging our employees and the public to follow social distancing and self-isolation guidelines, we also need to ensure that our systems, including our sanitary sewer system, remain in good working order.

As families spend more and more time at home and some supplies are limited, residents are reminded to be careful about what they flush down their toilets.

Only toilet paper with waste can be flushed down the toilet. Items such as paper towel and disposable wipes cannot be flushed down the toilet.

These products are not designed to break down in sewer systems and flushing them can cause build-ups that clog pipes and create sewer back-ups. In order for the sanitary sewer system to continue operating properly and avoid expensive repairs to our system, please do not flush anything other than toilet paper with waste down the toilet.

Other items that should not be flushed down sinks, drains and toilets are:

  • Fats, oils and grease
  • Diapers, wet wipes, rags, bandages
  • Dental floss, cotton swabs, condoms, cosmetics
  • Personal hygiene products (tampons, applicators, sanitary napkins)
  • Pills and medicine
  • Cigarette butts
  • Paper towels
  • Children toys
  • Bleach and ammonia
  • Clean solvents and spot removers
  • Disinfectants
  • Hot tub and swimming pool chemicals
  • Oven cleaners
  • Septic tank cleaners
  • Alkyd, latex and oil-based paints
  • Lacquers, stains and varnishes
  • Paint thinners, strippers and solvents
  • Petroleum-based products such as motor oil and gasoline

As has been mentioned previously, should a water or sewer emergency occur, city staff will not be able to enter resident’s homes. Residents will need to consult a private contractor to address the situation.

The City of Martensville also reminds residents that interest will not be charged on water and sewer accounts indefinitely to assist residents impacted by COVID -19.

As the COVID-19 situation evolves the City will continue to provide regular updates as they are available through our website and social media.

The City encourages residents to continue to take preventative measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These include:

  • Practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette (into the bend of your elbow);
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
  • Maintain safe food practices; and
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

COVID-19 Resources:

 

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For more information, contact:
Dillon Shewchuk
Community/Economic Development Manager
City of Martensville
(306) 931-2166

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