NORQUAY — Residents in Norquay are being urged to conserve water and stay off flooded streets as the community deals with widespread flooding following a rainfall event that dropped an estimated four to six inches of rain on the area.
Mayor Brennan Twerdoclib said the town was already recovering from earlier flooding when the latest storm arrived.
"We just got ahead of previous flooding and now it's hit us again," Twerdoclib said.
Floodwaters have inundated streets, basements and businesses throughout the community. Portions of Main Street were under water Monday, while residents across town reported significant flooding in their homes.
"I myself had a foot and a half of water in my basement last night," Twerdoclib said. "A lot of other houses in town are flooding as well."
Despite the damage, the town is not planning to declare a state of emergency.
"We're not declaring a state of emergency because we don't need any special powers because it's all happening within our town," he said. "We're just applying for disaster relief for the residents."
Town officials are urging residents to avoid driving through flooded streets, saying vehicle traffic can worsen damage and create additional problems.
Residents are also being asked to conserve water as the community's sewer system struggles to handle the excess water.
"The sewer is full right now," he said. "We're doing our best to pump the sewer out."
Portable toilets are being brought into the community to help ease pressure on the system. Residents are being encouraged to use the facilities when possible and avoid unnecessary water use until conditions improve.
As of Monday, the town's drinking water remained safe.
"Drinking water is still safe," Twerdoclib said.
Several businesses have also been affected by the flooding. Twerdoclib said Dahlin PowerSports & Auto was among those heavily impacted, while other commercial properties have also experienced water damage.
Beyond town limits, washouts have been reported on roads north of Norquay, creating additional challenges for residents and area farmers.
"There's a ton of washouts north," Twerdoclib said.
The mayor said the flooding is unlike anything he has seen during his 20 years in the community.
"This is the worst it's ever been," he said. "I've never seen it go on over Main Street except for this year."
Town councillor Lindsey Gray said council members and municipal staff have been working throughout the community to respond to the flooding and assist residents wherever possible.
"Our whole town council has been out and about trying to do whatever we can," Gray said.
Twerdoclib said he appreciates the patience residents have shown as crews work to manage the situation.
"We appreciate the patience that our town people are going to give us," he said. "We're working as hard as we can."
Garbage bins are expected to be brought into the community to help residents dispose of water-damaged belongings as cleanup efforts get underway.
While floodwaters remain a concern, municipal officials say their focus remains on helping residents recover and restoring normal conditions as quickly as possible.
