Sanitary Sewer Installation Program: The Town of Edson

Sewerage installation program

An example of a typical backflow preventer used in residential areas.

Purpose:

A reliable sewer system efficiently handles waste by transporting it to treatment facilities. However, all systems can become clogged. Even the most environmentally conscious households contribute waste, including cleaning products, human and animal waste, landscape runoff, drainage pipes, and non-flushable items like feminine hygiene products and grease. When pipes are clogged, all of this waste can flow right back into your home, which is both dirty and unsanitary.

A backflow preventer, required by law in many municipalities, prevents wastewater from flowing back into your home when pressure builds and floods occur. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensure these devices work effectively when needed.

Goal:

Last year, the City of Edson introduced a program to install sewage backflow preventers and offered to cover 50% of the installation costs. After the June floods, we found that many homes were still flooding because they did not have sump pumps and the drainage pipes were connected directly to the sewer line. In response, the council expanded the program and now also offers a 50% reimbursement for installing a sump and pump system that diverts sewage outside of your home.

**Please note that this program does not cover replacements, but only applies to new installations**

The Sewer installation program aims to help residents and business owners protect their property. Council has allocated a budget for the scheme and eligibility is allocated on a first come, first served basis until the budget is fully exhausted.

The program identifies potential causes of backflow, presents solutions and provides a subsidy (50% of the cost) for the installation of backflow preventers and sump pump systems.

Note: This program is intended for gravity flow systems, not for sanitary lifting stations.

Procedure:

1. Application: Home or business owners must submit an application to determine if their property is eligible for funding.

2. Preliminary review: A representative from the City of Edson will conduct a preliminary inspection of the property.

3. Evaluation:

   • The physical location of the property determines which backflow preventer is suitable.
   • The city representative will review all relevant documents prior to the on-site visit.
   • On-site, the representative will conduct an external assessment, including a walk-through of the neighborhood, checking the nearest sewer manhole access points and sewer flow directions.
   • This is followed by a thorough internal inspection of the structure to ensure:
     • There is no underfloor heating.
     • The main cleaning opening is located here.
     • All fittings are properly connected to the sewer system.
     • All fittings are installed behind the backflow preventer.
   • A camera inspection is carried out.

4. documentation: After the inspection, a checklist and camera report are provided to the home or business owner.

5. Plumber commitment:

   • The home/business owner is responsible for providing the checklist and camera report to their plumber (must be a journeyman plumber with a City of Edson business license).
   • Before proceeding, the owner must contact the City of Edson Building Department at 780-723-6461 to ensure budget availability.

6. installation:

   • Once approved, the home/business owner can hire a plumber to install the backflow preventer and/or sump pump.
   • After installation, the owner pays the plumber and submits a copy of the paid invoice to the City of Edson for reimbursement.

7. refund: The City of Edson will refund 50% of the invoice amount.

Required documents:

Please fill out the following forms and submit them with your application: