Heavy rain forces Epcor warnings, river rising fast

Edmonton has recorded more than 190 mm of rain this June — the most in more than 60 years — and the deluge isn't over yet.

More than 95 mm fell over the weekend alone, forcing Epcor to continue asking residents to reduce water use. The utility is asking people to defer laundry, showers, and dishwashing, and to limit toilet flushing. Epcor responded to more than 600 calls on Sunday from residents reporting water pooling near their properties or flooding in their homes.

The North Saskatchewan River is flowing around 1,050 cubic metres per second through Edmonton — roughly double the speed recorded 48 hours earlier — and has risen about 1.5 metres over that time. Alberta Environment warned the river could rise another 0.5 metres before peaking late Monday or early Tuesday.

A high streamflow advisory is in effect for the North Saskatchewan River and its tributaries between Rocky Mountain House and the Saskatchewan border. As of Monday afternoon, Alberta Environment said no river-related flooding was expected, though water level increases of one to 1.5 metres are possible at various points along the river.

Meanwhile, Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre in Coronation Park has closed until further notice due to weather-related flooding. Epcor warns residents to keep a safe distance from more than 240 stormwater ponds across the city, as water levels continue to rise and many are already spilling over their banks and onto park pathways.

Mayor Andrew Knack urged residents to continue reducing water use. "The current alert continues until 8:55 p.m. and will be re-evaluated later today," he said.

The city is now tied with 1965 for the second-wettest June on record. The June rainfall record is held by 1914, when 216.5 mm fell. More rain is expected next weekend.