One of the great things about living on Grandview Hill is that we don't have to worry so much about the risks of floods. I don't mean that we never need to worry about the water heater malfunctioning or the consequences of leaving the bathwater running unattended. But we are on high ground when there is record-breaking spring runoff and constant rain.
This year is being compared to the soggy years in the mid-1980's. The rains have saturated the ground. The cool temperatures have delayed mountain snow melt. And the resulting quick-thaw is creating havoc in some of the canyons, dangerous conditions on and around the swelling Provo River, and inconveniences on Provo's west side.
Folks who live on the west side of Provo, now being called "the Lake District", are often finding their own personal lakes in the crawlspaces or cellars below their homes as the water table rises. In order to keep their homes from sinking into the mud, they must run sump pumps.
Word has come from the City Water Department that there is an increase in the amount of water coming into the water treatment plant and they suspect that sump pumps are discharging water into sewer lines. This is problematic and, in fact, illegal. The Water Department is doing a little detective work to track down who is pumping water into the sewers. If the guilty homeowners don't stop, they will be fined.
If you have friends or family in the western neighborhoods, such as Lakeview, Harbor Park, or the area near the Provo Airport, who are having to employ sump pumps these days, make sure they know that they must not run the water down a household drain. They should send it out to storm drains, such as the curbside gutters.
And then, count among your blessings that your basement here on Grandview Hill is warm and dry!
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