Sewer Rehabilitation Program

Transportation & Utilities - Current Projects

What is the Sewer CCTV Inspection Program? 

The Sewer Condition Assessment Program is an annual program that the District undertakes to inspect and monitor the condition of both sanitary and storm sewers throughout the District.

To inspect the sewer system, CCTV is done by a track-mounted camera that drives through the sewer system from manhole to manhole. The camera records video and is able to show the condition of the sewers and help identify defects throughout.

Smoke testing may also be utilized as part of the sewer inspection, and is a proven method to identify any potential leaks or other concerns in the sewer system. The process includes isolating a section of the sewer and introducing non-toxic and no-residue smoke into the sanitary system. The surrounding area is monitored and inspected for points of leakage. Smoke should not enter your premises unless a leak is present due to incorrectly installed or damaged plumbing.

These inspections provide valuable information needed to determine the how and the where for sewer repairs, helping to keep the sewers in an operable condition. Sewers are inspected every 10 to 15 years.

What are the expected impacts of CCTV work? 

Access around the manholes is restricted during the investigations and may require lane shutdowns if the manholes are in the roadway. No excavations are required; generally, these impacts are short-lived, lasting for approximately one hour.

What is the Sewer Rehabilitation Program?

The sewer rehabilitation program is an annual program that the District undertakes to repair defects in the sewer system in order to keep the system in operation. Typically, the program is designed based on the previous year's CCTV inspection.

There are many different types of rehabilitation methods, and the specific method is determined through video review and engineering judgment. Rehabilitation may require excavation, or may be possible to do trenchless (i.e., without excavation). Each defect is reviewed and designed independently, so the method of repair varies from pipe to pipe.

Where possible, the District attempts to repair the sewer trenchlessly, although this can not always be done. If excavation is required, the District attempts to limit the extent of disturbance to minimize impacts on residents and the environment.

What are the impacts of sewer rehabilitation work?

If the work is done trenchlessly, the work area is restricted while the repairs are being done. This may require lane shutdowns if the area is in the roadway. Generally, trenchless work can be completed in one or two days. 

If the work requires excavation, the work area is restricted while the excavation is open and may require lane shutdowns if the area is in the roadway. Depending on the size of the repair, rehab requiring excavation could last as short as one day but could extend a number of days or weeks if the work is significant.

If work extends beyond one day, the District will attempt to re-open the roadway during non-work hours, allowing traffic to flow through in the afternoon and evening before being closed again the following day. Whether or not this is possible is based on the significance of the repair.

Who does the work?

Both programs are done by external contractors under District’s direction. The District undertakes some sewer repairs but is done on a case-by-case basis.

Will contractors need access to my property?

Contractors will not perform any work on private property unless a utility servicing right-of-way or easement is present. If this is required, residents will be contacted directly with further information.

Are there notifications for when the work is being done?

If there are residents who are impacted by the works, notices are provided to those residents. 

When does the work get done?

Both programs take place throughout the year. There are no specific dates for when these works are done.

The District's work hours are Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Work is not done outside of these hours, on weekends, or on holidays unless required due to special circumstances. If work is done outside of normal hours, affected residents are notified.