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Annual water main flushing program begins March 2

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed February 26, 2020 9:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo's Engineering and Public Works Department will begin its annual water main flushing program on March 2, 2020. While this program is underway, short periods of low pressure and discoloured water may be expected. Any discolouration in water residents may experience during the flushing program is temporary and not a health hazard.

For more information about the water main flushing program and a neighbourhood flushing schedule, visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/waterflushing.

Link to Strategic Plan: Annual flushing of the City's water mains supports cost effective service delivery.

Key Points

  • City crews will flush water supply mains from the South Fork dam to the water treatment plant. On each street, clean drinking water is flushed at a high velocity through water mains to ensure that all piping is refreshed and any minor sediment within the pipes is removed.
  • Residents are asked to minimize their water consumption if a change in water appearance is noticed. To clear water lines, residents are advised to turn on a cold water tap until the water runs clear. Any discolouration in water residents may experience during the flushing program is temporary and not a health hazard.
  • Anyone with a weakened immune system should reference information on Island Health’s website.

Quotes

"The flushing program will be significantly scaled back this year, due to filtered water entering the system from the City's water treatment plant. With no sediment entering the system, the program will move along quickly, reducing inconvenience to residents and businesses, and costs for staff time and equipment."

David Myles
Manager of Utilities
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • In previous years, the City of Nanaimo’s Water Main Flushing Program washed out over 90 km of water supply mains and over 536 km of distribution water mains. This year, we will scale the program back significantly due to much higher treated water quality coming into the system.
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Contact:

David Myles
Manager of Utilities
City of Nanaimo
250-756-5303

Print News Release

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