Fire ban in effect for Winnipeg: Outdoor fires are prohibited, including fire pits, open fires, and the use of fireworks.

 Fire ban in effect for Winnipeg: Outdoor fires are prohibited, including fire pits, open fires, and the use of fireworks.

Water main flushing

Water main flushing will start in mid-May 2025. View the MyUtilityInfo map to find out where we are working.

Why we flush water mains

We flush water mains to help maintain the water distribution system. Water main flushing also helps preserve the quality of water as it passes from our drinking water treatment plant to your taps. While we flush the mains, we take water samples from hydrants to check water quality.

How we flush the water mains

Crews flush water through water mains at high speeds. The fast-moving water removes sediment stuck inside the water main pipes. We drain the water out of hydrants, and run it until the water runs clear. This work takes between 30 to 60 minutes. The water used to flush the water mains flows out of the hydrants and into the sewer.

We flush water mains seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

What to do before, during and after water main flushing

Before

You will get a notice a few days before crews will be on your street to flush the water mains.

If you have any items that use water on a timer, you may wish to turn them off before water main flushing begins. Some examples of these include dishwashers, coffee makers or sprinkler systems.

During

When crews are flushing the water main on your street, you will see lights flashing on City trucks and crews running water from a fire hydrant on to the street.

If you use your water while the water main on your street is being flushed, your water pressure might drop. This will return to normal after the water main flushing.

After

You may notice some changes to your water after the water main flushing work on your street. These changes are temporary and should resolve themselves in a few hours. Some of the things you may experience include:

  • Discoloured water
    • Do not use discoloured water for drinking, preparing food and beverages, or doing laundry. If you experience discoloured water, follow these steps:
      1. Stop using your water in order to prevent sediment from entering the pipes in your home
      2. Wait a few minutes
      3. Turn on the cold water tap and let the water run for a few minutes
      4. Then, collect some water in a light-coloured cup or container. If water is clear, you can use your water
      5. If it is not clear, wait 30 minutes, check the water again. If your water is still discoloured after two to three hours, call 311
  • Cloudy water
    • Water is cloudy when air gets in it and makes tiny bubbles. The bubbles are harmless and will disappear if you let the water sit in a glass for a few minutes.
  • Chlorine smell
    • We add enough chlorine to the water to keep it safe. You can easily get rid of the chlorine taste and smell by filling a container with water and keeping it in the fridge for drinking – much of the chlorine will leave the water overnight.

More information

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