Winnipeg, MB - Beginning Thursday, work will start to clean three sections of feeder mains that cross rivers after being inspected. The cleaning will take about a day at each location. Water supply to customers will not be interrupted. However, the changes in flow of water may cause tap water to be temporarily discoloured for some residents.
| Date | Water main | Areas potentially affected |
| Thursday, Oct 22 | Maryland Avenue, crossing the Assiniboine River | Wellington Crescent, Crescentwood |
| Friday, Oct 23 | Goulet Street, crossing the Seine River | St. Boniface, Norwood, Glenwood, Varennes, Dufresne, and Archwood |
| Monday, Oct 26 | St. James Street, crossing the Assiniboine River | Wellington Crescent, North River Heights, Sir John Franklin, Old Tuxedo, Edgeland, and Tuxedo |
On the day of the water feeder main work, residents in these potentially affected areas are encouraged to check for discoloured water before using their water.
A feeder main is a large pressurized water pipe that carries water from a pumping station to the water main network. Any time there is a major change in the rate or direction of water flow in water mains, sediment, including dead algae and minerals in the water pipes, can loosen and be released into the water.
If residents experience discoloured water, it is recommended they do not use it for any purposes that require clean water (e.g., for drinking, preparing food and beverages, laundry). This is recommended because discoloured water does not taste, smell or look pleasant, and it can stain clothes. Health officials recommend not drinking the water but if small amounts are consumed accidentally, no harm is expected.
Residents that notice their water is discoloured should:
- Turn on a cold water tap and let the water run for a few minutes. It is best to use a bathtub tap as there is no screen to trap any sediment.
- Catch some water in a light-coloured cup. If the water isn’t clear, turn off the tap, wait 30 minutes and try again. Discoloured water usually doesn't last long. If the water still isn't clear after waiting two to three hours, contact 311, open 24 hours every day.
Residents can find:
- information on Winnipeg’s water quality at City of Winnipeg - Discoloured Water FAQ
- health information related to discoloured water at Winnipeg Regional Health Authority - Health information related to discoloured drinking water in the City of Winnipeg