Annual water main flushing program begins March 14, 2022

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed March 10, 2022 9:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo's Engineering and Public Works department will begin its annual water main flushing program on March 14, 2022. Flushing is expected to start in the south end of Nanaimo and, 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, 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

Flushing will begin in south Nanaimo and move it's way north with an expected completion the week of May 1, 2022.
City crews will flush water supply mains from the South Fork dam to the water treatment plant. 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.
If a change in water appearance such as discolouration is noticed, residents are asked to clear their water lines by running cold water until it 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

"Nanaimo has some of the cleanest water around thanks to our water treatment plant. However some sediment can still collect over time requiring the water mains to be flushed. If you spot some discolouration in your water, just run the cold water tap until it clears."

David Myles

Manager of Utilities

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

Running cold water to clear any discolouration instead of hot water reduces energy usage. It also avoids trapping sediment in your hot water tank.
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.

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