Water main flushing program helps preserve water quality

Residents will be notified before crews are on their street

person holding a test tube kneeling beside a fire hydrant spraying water.
Crews take samples to test the water during the process.

We’re using water to help keep water clear. If that sounds like an impossible task, read on.

Our annual water main flushing program is designed to help improve water quality throughout the city. We visit around three neighbourhoods each year to force water through the mains at a high speed. This cleans the inside of the pipes. It also tests the water system valves and hydrants to make sure everything is working properly.

The water used to flush the mains is drained out of hydrants and into the sewer.

Crews take water samples to check for water quality and stop flushing once water samples come back clear.

Where crews will be this summer

Map showing water main cleaning area in east Winnipeg.
Map showing water main cleaning area in south Winnipeg.

Crews will tackle these areas from mid-May until end of August:

  • St. Boniface West
  • St. Boniface East
  • St. Vital North
  • St. Vital South
  • Transcona
  • Parts of River East South and East

Work is scheduled every day this summer to flush the water mains.

Residents will receive a notice up to four days in advance to let them know crews will be on their street. You can also check the MyUtilityInfo map to see where crews are working.

What you need to know

The whole process takes between 30 to 60 minutes and doesn’t involve turning the water service off to your home.

While you can still use your water while crews are doing the work, your water pressure might drop.

You might also notice  discoloured or cloudy water after the work is done. If your water is discoloured, do not use it for drinking, cooking or doing laundry, and follow these steps:

  • Stop using your water to prevent sediment from entering the pipes in your home
  • Wait a few minutes
  • Turn on the cold water tap and let the water run for a few minutes
  • Then, collect some water in a light-coloured cup or container. If water is clear, you can use your water
  • If it is not clear, wait 30 minutes, check the water again. If your water is still discoloured after two to three hours, contact 311
  • Please do not use any hot water or filtered taps before you are sure your water is clear

Learn more about the Water main flushing program

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