Fernie sewage discharge risk is rising again as heavy rainfall across the Elk Valley pushes the City’s wastewater system toward capacity, prompting warnings and a call for immediate action from residents.
With approximately 50 mm of rain already recorded—including 20 mm overnight—and forecasts calling for another 50 mm through today, conditions are now comparable to the December storm event that significantly impacted Fernie’s wastewater infrastructure.
The City of Fernie has confirmed that flows at the Main Sewage Pumping Station have reached similar levels to that previous event. Crews are actively monitoring the situation and preparing contingency measures should flows continue to increase.
At the same time, a slide has occurred again in the Cokato area at the same location impacted in December, with crews conducting hourly monitoring to maintain drainage. Localized flooding is also being addressed at 11th Avenue and McDonald Avenue, while a self-fill sandbagging station is being prepared on Railway Avenue for residents in at-risk areas.
Fernie sewage discharge risk is not driven by rainfall alone—it is amplified by how residential properties are connected to the system.
The City continues to emphasize that improper connections, including sump pumps, downspouts, and perimeter drains tied into the sanitary sewer, can dramatically increase system load during heavy rain events. These connections send clean rainwater into infrastructure designed for wastewater, quickly overwhelming capacity.
The result is increased risk of system backups and potential discharge into the Elk River.
City officials are clear: the most effective way residents can help right now is by ensuring their homes are not contributing unnecessary flow into the sanitary system.
Sump pumps should discharge outside, not into indoor plumbing or floor drains. Downspouts should direct water onto lawns or gravel where it can disperse safely. Homes with older or unknown drainage configurations are encouraged to verify their setup.
This is not a minor issue. During extreme weather, these connections can be the difference between a system that holds and one that fails.
The City has implemented early preparations based on lessons learned from the December event, but infrastructure alone cannot offset preventable residential inputs.
As rainfall intensifies, Fernie sewage discharge risk becomes a shared responsibility between municipal systems and individual properties.
Residents are encouraged to check their sump pump and downspout connections immediately and correct any improper drainage. Those unsure of their setup can contact the City of Fernie through its Request for Service system.
With significant rainfall still expected, the window to reduce pressure on the system is now—before conditions escalate further and the Elk River is put at risk again.
