Water main flushing program helps preserve water quality

Residents will be notified before crews are on their street

person holding a test tube kneeling beside a fire hydrant spraying water.
Crews take samples to test the water during the process.

It’s using water to help keep water clear. Our water main flushing program is getting underway.

They do it by forcing water through the mains at a high speed. This cleans the inside of the pipes. It also tests the water system valves and hydrants to make sure everything is working properly.

They will be out in these areas daily to flush water mains from mid-May until the end of July:

  • Maginot
  • Windsor Park
  • Niakwa Place
  • Niakwa Park
  • Southdale
  • Southland Park
  • Royalwood
  • Island Lakes
  • Fraipont (Bonavista)
  • Sage Creek

The water used to flush the mains is drained out of hydrants and into the sewer.

Crews take water samples to check for water quality and stop flushing once water samples come back clear.

The whole process takes between 30 to 60 minutes and doesn’t involve turning the water service off to your home.

That means you can still use your water while crews are doing the work. But, you might notice a drop in water pressure.

You might also notice discoloured or cloudy water after the work is done. If your water is discoloured, do not use it for drinking, cooking or doing laundry, and follow these steps:

  • Stop using your water in order to prevent sediment from entering the pipes in your home
  • Wait a few minutes
  • Turn on the cold water tap and let the water run for a few minutes
  • Then, collect some water in a light-coloured cup or container. If water is clear, you can use your water
  • If it is not clear, wait 30 minutes, check the water again. If your water is still discoloured after two to three hours, contact 311
  • Please do not use any hot water or filtered taps before you are sure your water is clear

Residents will receive a notice up to four days in advance to let them know crews will be on their street. You can also check the MyUtilityInfo map to see where crews are working.

 

Originally posted May 14, 2019

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