Damaged sewer line update

Whitehorse – The City’s Water and Waste crews are finalizing plans to attempt another repair on the leaking portion of sanitary force main on the east side of the Yukon River. Previous attempts have been unsuccessful due to the high water levels of the river and overall volume of wastewater flows.

In the coming days, crews will attempt to bypass the Marwell Lift Station entirely by using a high capacity pump. This pump will divert any wastewater directly into the river for the duration of the repair, and should reduce enough pressure in the main for crews to replace the damaged section.

Until these repairs begin, wastewater will continue flowing through the leaking main.

Wastewater has flowed through the main since crews attempted the bypass early Tuesday morning; however, residents are still encouraged to limit recreational activities on the river downstream from the leak, and to reduce water usage whenever possible.

Approximately 1.5% of all sewage passing through the Marwell Lift Station to the Livingstone Lagoon is leaking around the repair site, and down into the river.

We again want to thank City crews who have been waking up early and working late on this issue on behalf of residents, and appreciate everyone’s understanding.