Saskatoon homeowners can take steps to deal with the flood risk posed by this spring's unusually wet weather, the city says. (CBC)

Unprecedented rainy weather in April and May in Saskatoon has prompted the city to issue a notice to homeowners to keep an eye on their basements and guard against flooding.

According to a news release sent out Thursday, Saskatoon has so far received 115 millimetres of rain in the spring months of 2010. The city normally gets 73.3 mm of precipitation in all of April and May, Environment Canada figures show.

The amount of rain this year "has saturated the ground in Saskatoon," the news release said, "and increased the risk of basement flooding if more rain falls in the next few days."

The city cautioned that older homes may be especially vulnerable.

The release offered a number of suggestions for homeowners on how to keep dry, including:

• Extend downspouts at least 2 metres from foundations, and ensure there is a good slope away from the home.
• Direct rainwater to front or back yards.
• Clean debris from eavestroughs.
• Check sump pump systems.

The city also reminded citizens that homeowners cannot blame city hall for flooded basements due to storms.

"Residents are reminded that flood prevention in their homes and yards is their responsibility," the release said. "Steps should be taken now to reduce the risk of a rainstorm flood in their basements."