Watermain Breaks and Service Interruptions

Current Work or Service Outages

No Current Work or Service Outages

About Watermain Breaks

Watermains are the large, underground pipes that carry water from our treatment plants into your home. When watermain breaks occur, our crews make the repairs as safely and quickly as possible.

The time in which it takes to complete the repairs can vary depending on several factors including how quickly the break is located, the size of the break, and weather conditions.

For urgent issues such as sewer back ups, watermain breaks or leaks, please call our Utilities Department:

778-797-2246
- Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding holidays
- After hours - call 1-855-851-4194

Please give a detailed description including address and street name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes watermains to break?

Watermain breaks can occur for a number of reasons including old infrastructure, ground movement and/or expansion/contraction of the pipe due to changes in the weather.

When will I have running water again?

We understand that being without water is an inconvenience and our crews always try to get resident's water back on as soon as possible. Delays may occur for a number of reasons including the condition of the pipe or the location of the break.

If I am without drinking water, where can I find an alternative source?

The City supplies a free, safe water source at the bulk filling station located at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads. Please bring clean bottles for filling.

What should I do once my water is turned back on?

Once your water service has returned, customers should:

Turn on the lowest cold tap, or the cold faucet located nearest their water meter and main water shut off valve.
Then, let the water run for 20 minutes or until it runs clear.

If, after 20 minutes, water does not run clear, contact Utilities at 778-797-2246.

Water Service Outage

As part of construction work or infrastructure upgrades within your neighbourhood, crews may require a water service outage to your home in order to complete the work.

To help prepare for the water service outage, customers should follow some important steps.

Preparing for a planned water service outage

Prior to the planned water service outage, customers will receive a letter outlining the details of the work including the day and time of the expected outage.

Crews will work as safely and efficiently as possible to restore your water service; however, please plan and prepare in advance for no water service during the hours noted on the notification letter, with the slight possibility of additional time being required in the event of any unforeseen complexities.

Construction is subject to weather and other conditions that may require scheduling adjustments.

Preparing for a planned water service outage:

Fill potable water containers for drinking. Assume four litres of drinking water per person per day.
Fill additional buckets with water for washing dishes, cleaning, and flushing toilets. For example, a toilet will flush when approximately four litres of water is poured in the bowl.

Watermain Flushing

Crews conduct watermain flushing in West Kelowna neighbourhoods as part of the City’s annual maintenance of the water distribution system. For more information, visit our Watermain Flushing page here.