The Big Spring Run Off

Just like many others around the world, spring is the most awaited time of the year for a large number of Canadians. However, spring is not all about enjoying the warm weather and longer days for them – they also have to prepare themselves for the snowmelt runoff that can cause significant issues, especially in areas that experience heavy snowfall.

While the melting of snow keeps the rivers, streams, and lakes flowing, provides a large amount of water for irrigation, and also contributes to hydropower reservoirs, it can also create many problems.

The large volumes of water released from the melting of snow can cause the following major issues:

Flooding

According to Environment Canada, water runoff from melting snow is the most common cause of flooding in Canada. Many people assume that spring flooding is only a threat for those who live near waterways and hills, but this is not the case in reality. The snow that accumulates on the roof of your house or in your backyard may not seem like a threat, but it contains a lot of water – there are gallons of water in one cubic foot of compacted snow. If this water doesn’t find a place to go, it will flow or seep into your house and cause significant damage.

Water Pollution

The water released from the melting of snow not only contains different types of pollutants that accumulate in snow throughout the winter season, but it also picks up different types of impurities and noxious waste as it flows through different areas. Since snow is known to absorb toxic pollutants present in the air, snow catchments have a high amount of atmospheric pollutants in them. This means, the water that it releases is already packed with pollutants. The pollutant content increases even further when the water flows over different land surfaces. If this extremely polluted water ends up in streams or rivers, it also pollutes them. This is why a significant portion of pollutant loading is associated with spring runoff.

Health Problems

Dirty water not only increases environmental pollution, but can also create numerous health issues. One of the most common symptoms is a sore stomach for healthy people. People with compromised immune systems are more severely affected from bacteria. Viruses also have a greater chance to enter our water systems at this time, including E.coli to giardia and cryptosporidium. When the turbidity gets high so does the amount of toxic chemicals like chlorine in municipal water supplies. Areas that did become saturated during flooding can produce dangerous molds under floors and behind walls.

How to Deal With Spring Run-Off

While you cannot prevent spring runoff, you can certainly take measures to reduce its effects and the risks it poses to you and your property. Here are a few things that you should do when the rising temperatures and waters come and go:

• Check your house and outbuildings for leaks or cracks and repair them to prevent water from seeping in.
• Inspect your well head to make sure it is higher than the expecting water
• Make sure that you have adequate drainage, including sump pumps
• Change your primary filters before the run-off starts
• If you have adjustable systems turn them up a notch during this season
• After the main run-off is over change all filters and disinfect all filter housings
• UV systems should have their quartz sleeves cleaned and lamps changed if due
• The brine tank of your water softener should be disinfected
• If you well was surrounded by flood water or if water breached the top, a proper disinfection of the entire well system should be preformed as soon as the water levels retreat.

Spring is the most beautiful time of the year don’t let the runoff ruin it for you. Take precautionary measures to reduce its effects on your health and property and call us if you need any help.

Kay