Water breaks, frozen ground conditions, and seasonal storm sewer capacity challenges are an ongoing reality in northern municipalities. The City of Yellowknife manages these situations proactively and repairs or replaces approximately 80 - 100 water or sewer pipes each year, almost all of which are privately owned and not City mains.

While the City works to maintain safe and reliable infrastructure, residents need to understand their responsibilities, available support programs, and the appropriate steps if issues arise.

Homeowner Responsibilities

Under the Consolidated Water and Sewer Services By-law No. 4663, property owners are responsible for:

  • Ownership of Service Lines

    The entire water and sewer service line—from the City main to the building—is owned by the property owner and must be maintained at their expense.

  • Maintenance and Repairs

    Homeowners are responsible for maintaining private service pipes, fixtures, and systems in good working condition and free from leaks.

  • Protecting Their Property

    Property owners must take reasonable steps to protect their homes from water infiltration, including:

    • Installing and maintaining sump pumps
    • Ensuring proper drainage around the property
    • Managing groundwater and runoff conditions

  • Understanding System Limitations

    The City makes every effort to provide continuous and efficient service; however, the by-law outlines that the City is not liable for damages resulting from pipe breaks, service interruptions, or system pressures unless negligence is proven.

Service Connection Failure Assistance Program (SCFAP)

The City offers a program to help reduce the financial burden of unexpected service line failures.

Under Service Connection Failure Assistance By-law No. 4664:
  • The program assists with repairs between the building foundation and the City's main
  • Residents contribute through a small monthly fee on their water bill
  • To access the program: 
     
    • A deductible (typically $1,000) must be paid before work begins
    • The City coordinates and completes the repair work

  • The program covers excavation and pipe repair only

    It does not cover damage to:

    • homes
    • landscaping
    • driveways
    • personal property

Eligibility requires that:

  • Service lines are properly installed and maintained
  • Freeze protection systems are in place and functioning

Freeze Protection – Preventing Service Disruptions

Freeze-ups are one of the most common causes of service interruptions in northern climates.

Homeowners are responsible for:

  • Installing and maintaining approved freeze protection devices
  • Ensuring systems are functioning, especially during winter months
  • Arranging for monitoring if away from the property
  • Understanding that: 
     
    • Freeze-ups caused by improper operation or power outages are the homeowner’s responsibility

Additional recommended practices:

  • Maintain consistent indoor temperatures
  • Ensure circulation pumps are operational
  • Consider backup power (UPS or generator) for critical systems
  • Use bleeders only when approved by the City

Preventing your water and sewer lines from freezing is an important homeowner responsibility. Use the Water Line Freeze Protection Tips to ensure your pipes don't freeze in the winter.

What to Do If You Experience a Service Failure

If you suspect a water or sewer service failure:

  1. Contact Public Works immediately to report the issue
  2. The City will investigate to determine the location and cause
  3. If the failure is within the eligible service area: 
     
    • Complete the Service Connection Failure Notification and Claim Registration Form (Provided by the Water and Sewer Division)
    • Submit the required deposit/deductible
  4. The City will coordinate repairs under the assistance program (if applicable)

Property Damage & Insurance Claims

In cases where property damage occurs:

  • Homeowners should first contact their insurance provider.

    If an insurer believes the City may be liable: 

    • The claim is forwarded to the City’s insurance adjuster
    • All communication is handled between insurers and adjusters

As outlined in By-law No. 4663 (Section 205):

  • The City is generally not liable for damages caused by water breaks, sewer issues, or service interruptions unless negligence is demonstrated

Important Reminder

Groundwater movement, spring melt, and infrastructure failures can occur despite best efforts. Residents play a critical role in:

  • Maintaining private infrastructure
  • Protecting their homes from water intrusion
  • Understanding available programs and processes

The City of Yellowknife remains committed to:

  • Responding quickly to infrastructure issues
  • Maintaining safe and reliable services
  • Supporting residents through established programs