Storm Impacts on Waterways

High intensity rain events caused stormwater and wastewater overflows along some shorelines and in some waterways in Greater Victoria on November 14 and 15, 2021.

The extreme runoff of rain and surface water had an impact to the Brentwood Bay storm and sewer systems. Although immediate operations to control overflows were put in place an expected discharge of runoff occurred; further inspections to the infrastructure of the systems and analysis of what occurred is underway. Treated and untreated wastewater entered the marine environment and the shoreline impacted is in the vicinity of Brentwood Bay. As a result, residents are advised to avoid entering the waters along the shoreline, as the wastewater may pose a health risk.

Graham Creek also has runoff issues of sediment and a sewage overflow. The incident has been resolved and clean up did occur. The public is not to be entering the creek at this time. As a result of these discharges, residents are advised to avoid entering the waters along the affected shoreline, as the wastewater may pose a health risk.

All appropriate authorities have been notified and are involved where needed. At this stage no health advisory is being brought forward but residents are continued to be advised and to use common sense such as avoiding entering the waters along potentially affected shorelines, as any wastewater may pose a health risk.

As a precaution and in consultation with Island Health, beaches within the affected areas will be posted with public health advisory signs until sample results indicate enterococci levels are below the 70CFU/100mL recreational limit.