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1. What is flushing?

Flushing is a method of cleaning the water main pipes by forcing water through them at high speed and discharging it through hydrants, which are left open until the water runs clear. This fast-moving water flow scours and cleans out mineral deposits and sediment that have built up over time and settled at the bottom of the pipes.

2. Why are residents notified by the City of their flushing program?

Residents are notified during water main flushing because some may experience a temporary discolouration of water while the water main is being flushed. Any disruption should be short-lived. Residents and businesses along areas where flushing is scheduled to take place will be notified prior to flushing via letters delivered to local businesses and residents, along with signs that will be placed on the road side. So, please keep an eye out for those signs.

3. Can you provide me with an exact date and time of the flushing?

Unfortunately, we cannot. The water main flushing for each section of the pipeline can vary from five minutes to an hour and a half. When one section of the pipeline is completed, they will move on to the next section. City staff are working hard to minimize the disruption caused in your area, and due to the varied timeline of the work, it is difficult to schedule a specific time.

4. What do I do and what do I not do during water main flushing?

• Do not: turn on your taps or flush your toilets when crews are working in your area. This could draw sediment into the water pipes on your property, water meter, hot water tank, and into water filters.
• Do: Turn off all time-delayed water-line appliances.
• Do: watch for City signage on your street as that will indicate flushing is taking place in your immediate area. The procedure takes 30 minutes to 1 hour for each street.

5. What do I to do if I experience a loss of water for a long period of time (after two or three hours)?

If you experience a loss of water (over after two or three hours), please call 604-541-2181.

Optional Precautionary Measure

• Check the water supply before doing laundry
• Store a sufficient reserve of drinking water for use on the day of water main flushing.

6. What happens when water main flushing is completed?

• After flushing is complete, remove the aerator (a fine mesh grid) on your tap. Then, turn on a cold water tap, preferably the laundry tap, and let the water run for a few minutes.
  • Catch some water in a light coloured cup or container to see if it is clear. You can use your water if it is clear.
  • Do not choose a tap that has a water filter connected to it; otherwise, the sediment may clog your filter.
  • Do not use a hot water tap because it could draw sediment into your hot water tank. Once the water runs clear place back the aerator.
• If the water does not clear within 5 to 10 minutes, wait two hours and try again.