IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE

Unidirectional flushing of the drinking water distribution system

Starting Monday, May 9, 2022, the Environmental Service will proceed to its annual unidirectional flushing program of the drinking water distribution system. It will be performed from Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., for an approximate period of 5 weeks.

Unidirectional Flushing (UDF) Program

The unidirectional flushing is intended to dislodge deposits that could form in the watermains walls as well as to ensure the quality of drinking water. To do this, we force the water in one direction and then evacuate it through fire hydrants. At the same time, we inspect the quality of infrastructure, such as street valves and fire hydrants.

Because this is a large operation, there may be a temporary drop in water pressure, with or without a cloudy or reddish (rust) coloration of the water in the areas affected by the flushing. Please note that this colouration does not pose any risk to your health.

When Flushing is Being Done in Your Area

If you notice a town crew operating a fire hydrant, a street valve or flushing water down the street, they are actually flushing the watermains in your area. Here are some tips:

• Avoid using water while the flushing process is being performed. If possible, activities such as laundry and dishwashing should be done during the evening.
• Always check the colour of the water before use. If your water is cloudy or coloured after the flushing operation, leave the cold-water taps running until the water returns clear. This should take no longer than 5 minutes.

• Do not run a tap that has a water filter connected to it because sediments may clog your filter.
• Avoid running a hot water tap as it may draw sediment into your hot water tank.

• If you experience low pressure or coloured water for more than 30 minutes after the flushing process is completed in your area, please contact us (613) 632-0106 or by email at .
• Use caution while travelling around the Environmental Service crew and while entering areas of water accumulation during the flushing process.

Unidirectional Flushing Program Schedule

The tentative flushing program schedule is available below. Commercial, industrial and health care establishments that would like to receive an advance notice of flushing dates in their specific location are invited to contact the Environmental Service at 613-632-0106.

Please note that while we do our best to provide accurate information, the schedule can be subject to change based on weather, road, traffic, and other conditions that are beyond our control.

We thank you for your understanding and your collaboration during this period and we apologize for the inconvenience related to this operation that is necessary to maintain the quality of our drinking water distribution system.