Winnipeg, MB - On Saturday night, feeder mains that cross the river will be returned to full service around 11:30 p.m. They were recently turned off, inspected for potential faults, and cleaned. When the feeder mains are turned back on, brown water is not expected. However, if the work does not go according to plan (for example, if there is a break on the water main) there is a chance that residents may experience some discoloured water.
| Date | Water main | Areas potentially affected |
| Saturday, Nov 28 | Maryland Avenue, crossing the Assiniboine River | Wellington Crescent, Crescentwood, Wolseley, West Broadway, Armstrong Point |
| Saturday, Nov 28 | Goulet Street, crossing the Seine River | St. Boniface, Norwood, Glenwood, Varennes, Dufresne, and Archwood |
After 11:30 p.m. on the night of the feeder main work and the next morning, residents in these potentially affected areas are encouraged to check for discoloured water before using their water.
This work will be done overnight to minimize the impact it may have on customers. Whenever large water main operations have the potential to cause tap water to be temporarily discoloured, we put out precautionary notifications such as this.
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 do not recommend drinking discoloured 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