Halifax's aging stormwater system can't keep up with heavy rains. Street flooding, impassable roads, and backed-up drainage are common — especially in low-lying areas and after spring snow melt.
Reporting flooding helps HRM plan drainage upgrades and respond to emergencies.
Types of Flooding to Report
Street flooding: after heavy rain (water covering road surface)
Sump pump or foundation backup: (water pooling on property)
Blocked storm drains: (obvious blockage visible)
Sewage backup: (raw sewage or strong sewage smell)
Water pooling on sidewalks or parks: (safety hazard)
How to Report Flooding
Best way: Report on SolveHFX
Take a photo during or right after flooding
Pin the exact location
Note the water depth and when it started
Direct to HRM:
311: [311.halifax.ca](https://311.halifax.ca) or call 311
After-hours emergency flooding: Call 311 (they have an emergency line)
Email: contactus@311.halifax.ca
Worst Flooding Areas in Halifax
Fairview: (low elevation, poor drainage)
North End: (near Barrington Street)
Clayton Park: (near Kearney Lake)
Dartmouth waterfront: (sea-level area)
Around Sackville River: (seasonal flooding)
Priority Response
HRM prioritizes by safety:
Road flooding blocking traffic or emergency access: Immediate (24 hours)
Basement backup or sewer overflow: 24-48 hours (health hazard)
Street-level pooling without imminent danger: 5-7 days
Chronic flooding on the same street: Scheduled for infrastructure upgrade (weeks/months)
Pro Tips for Reporting
1. Include the water depth: "Water was 6 inches deep" helps HRM assess severity
2. Note the duration: "Water was there for 4 hours after the rain stopped" indicates drainage issue
3. Report recurring areas: If the same street floods every heavy rain, report it each time — HRM tracks patterns for upgrades
4. Mention if it affects access: "This blocks the only entrance to the school" = higher priority
5. For sewage backup: Mention smell, discoloration, and location precisely — this triggers hazmat response
Before Major Storms
If a storm is forecast, report potential flooding areas in advance:
"This street regularly floods; expect issues during tomorrow's rain"
HRM uses reports to pre-position equipment and crews
Sewage Backup Emergency?
If you see or smell sewage:
1. Don't touch it
2. Report immediately to HRM 311 (they have emergency protocols)
3. Mention "sewage" explicitly — triggers hazmat and public health notification
4. Provide exact location
Report flooding now — help improve Halifax's resilience.