'I have to catch it': Regina resident says city tree is the root of basement flooding issues

Regina resident Murray Yagelniski says a city-owned tree on his property is the root of the issue behind his basement flooding.

Regina resident Murray Yagelniski says a city-owned tree on his property is the root of the issue behind his basement flooding.

He claims the tree’s roots are clogging the sewer line from his home. That, coupled with a low point in the storm drainage system in front of his home have caused his basement to flood.

"I have to catch it,” Yagelniski told CTV News. “I have to check it everyday.”

Each time it rains, water pools in his front yard. Often it will seep into the ground and is no issue. But he says heavy rains do cause some minor flooding.

“The water backs up right to the house,” Yagelniski explained.

“What’s on the surface is one thing. But it’s underground," he added.

The nuisance and costs to maintain the underground pipes has become too much for Yagelniski to bear.