Sewer and stormwater collection
The City of Courtenay maintains an extensive sewer system, including:
- over 150 km of sanitary sewer mains
- 12 sanitary lift stations
- 23 pumps
- nearly 7,000 individual connections
Wastewater from homes and businesses flows to the Comox Valley Water Pollution Control Centre, operated by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD).
The City's Operational Services department maintains the sanitary sewer network up to the property line. If a blockage occurs on the City’s side, City staff must be present for any clearing work to be eligible for reimbursement.
Help keep the sewer system running smoothly
Sewer backups and clogs can be costly and harmful to the environment. You can help prevent them by flushing responsibly.
What should and shouldn’t be flushed
Toilets and sewer systems are designed to handle only human waste and toilet paper. Many other products cause clogs and damage sewer infrastructure. Even wipes labelled “flushable” or “biodegradable” do not break down like toilet paper.
Never flush:
- baby wipes and flushable wipes
- paper towels
- tampons and applicators
- condoms
- dental floss
- hair
- fats, oils and grease
- medications, vitamins and supplements
When these items are flushed, they increase maintenance costs, clog sewer lines, and can lead to raw sewage overflows into the environment. Always dispose of these items in the garbage.
Learn more: Metro Vancouver: The Unflushables
How the City prevents clogs
To reduce blockages and overflows, the City has increased preventative maintenance by 50 per cent as part of its asset management program. Regular maintenance helps:
- reduce costly emergency repairs
- lower the risk of sewer backups
- ensure a safe and efficient sewer system
Learn more: Asset management in the City of Courtenay
Sewer pipe Inspections
The City uses remote-control cameras to inspect sewer and drainage pipes. These inspections help assess pipe conditions and prioritize future maintenance.
As part of the process, sewer lines are cleaned using high-pressure water jets. A specialized nozzle moves through the pipes, scouring the interior and pulling debris back to the starting point.
What to expect during sewer cleaning
During sewer line cleaning, air may vent into homes through the sanitary sewer service line. This can cause:
- toilet water bubbling, surging or splashing
- unusual sounds from drains
This happens due to:
- normal air movement from cleaning operations
- higher water pressure needed for steeper sewer lines
- sewer lines running close to buildings
- a plugged roof vent in the home
- the size and layout of a home’s plumbing system
To minimize the potential for water splashing out of your toilet bowl during inspections, keep the lid down.