Each time you use a tap, shower, or flush the toilet, you send wastewater down the drain into the sanitary sewer pipe. These pipes carry the wastewater to the WTP where it is filtered. removing non-organic material and separating wastewater from bio-solids.
Some of the grey water is piped to the Northland Power Plant and used for cooling, which reduces that facility's need to use treated water for cooling. Most of the remaining wastewater is treated and then released into the North Saskatchewan River.
Sanitary Sewers
Our sanitary sewer system protects the health of residents and our environment. The system carries wastewater from homes, businesses, and industry to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP).
In 2015, the City built a Lystek system at the WTP. The Lystek system, uses high-speed chemicals and heat to kill any pathogens or microbes. Excess water is removed and treated.
The remaining material is processed into Canadian Food Inspection Agency-approved farm fertilizer. Without this system, bio-solid waste would need to be treated and disposed of at the Waste Management Facility and continuously treated. Valuable nutrients are now captured and added back to food production.
Sewer backup
If you notice your sewer is backed up:
- Immediately stop all water use. Turn off washing machines, dishwashers, and anything that uses water.
- Contact a local plumbing contractor. The City also has 24-hour response availability for an emergency - call 306-445-1700. Please note that you will incur additional fees should City technicians attend.
You can help prevent sewer backups by only flushing bodily waste and toilet paper. Place a waste bin by the toilet to divert non-natural waste from being flushed.
FOGs
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOGs) should never be poured down your drain. FOGs will solidify in sewer pipes and main lines, combining with other materials to cause blockages.
Collect and save your FOGs at home. You can bring your FOGs to the Waste Management Facility (WMF) for free. The WMF is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and closed for statutory holidays.
This is not a complete list of items you should not flush down the toilet. Use Recycle Coach to learn how to properly dispose of various materials.
- Facial tissues
- Baby wipes
- “Flushable” wipes
- Disinfectant wipes
- Hand wipes
- Napkins
- Paper towel
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Sanitary napkins, tampons, or condoms
- Dental floss or any stringy items
- Fats, Oil or Grease
- Hair or wigs
- Plastic
- Medicines (return unused medicine to your pharmacy)
- Bandages
- Food scraps
Sanitary sewer upgrade
In June of 2021 we started construction of the Force Main new Sewage Pumping Station and the decommissioning of the old Sewage Treatment Plant. This investment in infrastructure is needed for the continued growth of our City. The project will be complete in 2023.
Project funding
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan.
Contact Us
City Hall
1291-101st Street P.O. Box 460
North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y6
306-445-1700
reception@cityofnb.ca