Watermain Flushing

About a Water Quality Advisory 

When watermain flushing is occurring in your area, a related Water Quality Advisory will be in effect; please see our interactive map to determine if a Water Quality Advisory is in effect in your area.

To learn more about a Water Quality Advisory and other types of water related notices and orders, please read Interior Health's Drinking Water For Everyone resources.

The bulk filling station at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads provides a free, safe, alternative source of drinking water. Bring clean bottles for filling.

Flushing schedule and maps

2025 Program Information

The City’s watermain flushing program has ended for the 2025 season. In spring 2026, crews will resume work in Zone RV05A (see map), which includes the lower section of the Tallus Ridge neighbourhood and parts of the Shannon Ridge, Shannon Lake and Sundance neighbourhoods of the Rose Valley Water Service Area. We will notify residents when and where the work will resume in 2026; please remain subscribed to receive City notifications through www.westkelownacity.ca/subscribe. At this time, the isolated precautionary water quality advisory, which was in place for the Zone RV05A watermain flushing has been rescinded.

Flushing occurs between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, with some weekend, holiday and evening work possible. The schedule is subject to change due to weather and other factors. To help customers know when crews will be flushing, crews will post signs in the affected areas. Customers may hear and observe activities at a nearby hydrant.

The annual flushing program begins in early spring and proceeds through late fall, by zone, as weather permits.

Where are our crews flushing?

Due to cold weather, work will resume in spring 2026.

Schedule of flushing

Former Lakeview System:

• Zone 1 (see map – RV01) - completed; flushed April 15, 2025 to May 14, 2025.
• Zone 2 (see map – RV02) - completed; flushed May 15, 2025 to June 24, 2025.
• Zone 3 (see map – RV03A, B, C, D) - completed; flushed July 7, 2025 to Sept. 16, 2025.
• Zone 4A (see map – RV04A) - completed; flushed Sept. 17 to Oct. 2, 2025.
• Zone 4B (see map – RV04B) - completed; flushed Oct. 3 to Oct. 16, 2025.
• We were most recently working here: Zone 5A (see map – RV05A) - began Oct, 20 2025, paused Dec. 1, 2025 due to cold weather, scheduled to resume in spring 2026; we will notify residents before work resumes.
• Zone 5B (see map – RV05B) - next start date in spring 2026, TBD; last flushed May 23 to July 24, 2024.
• Zone 5C (see map – RV05C) - next start date in spring 2026, TBD last flushed May 23 to July 24, 2024.

Former West Kelowna Estates System:

• Zone 2 (see map – WKE02) - completed; flushed July 25 to Sept. 24; and Oct. 24 to Nov. 20, 2024.
• Zone 1 (see map – WKE01) - completed; flushed Aug. 19 to Sept. 24; and Oct. 24 to Nov. 20, 2024.

Former Sunnyside/Pritchard System:

• Zone 1 (see map – SS01) - completed; flushed Oct. 10 to Nov. 22, 2024.
  
• Zone 2 (see map – SS02) - completed; flushed Sept. 18 to Dec. 20, 2024.
• Zone 3 (see map – SS03) - completed; flushed April 2 to April 11, 2025.

Why we flush watermains 

Watermain flushing is required to remove sediment from the distribution system that may have accumulated from our source water.

The flushing process typically results in reduced pressure for a short period and may cause temporary water discolouration. Do not consume coloured/turbid water; do not use coloured/turbid water for mixing/making baby formula. If water is discoloured, run your cold tap until it runs clear; if the water does not run clear after 10 minutes, call us at 778-797-2246. If needed, an alternative source is available at the bulk filling station at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads; bring clean bottles for filling. 

Crews flush the mains at high velocities to scour accumulated sediment and mineral deposits from the pipes to help improve water quality and flows. If drainage/storm sewer infrastructure allows, water may be drained directly onto the street. If drainage/storm sewer infrastructure does not permit, a storage truck is used to transport the water to an appropriate draining area. 

Steps to take before, during and after water main flushing 

Customers should follow a few important steps to prevent sediment from being drawn into pipes and appliances, and to make sure the water runs clear afterwards.
Before

Customers should:

• Ensure their pressure reducing valves are always maintained and in good working order.
• Store a sufficient reserve of drinkable water to use during flushing.

During flushing, a precautionary water quality advisory will be in effect, and customers must not use water, to prevent sediment from being drawn into pipes and filters. Customer should:

• Not run water-reliant appliances, such as hot water tanks, dishwashers, washing machines, and water and ice dispensers including those built into refrigerators.
• Not turn on taps or flush toilets.
• Not take baths or showers.
• Not fill pools, hot tubs or fountains.
• Not use time-delayed systems and appliances such as coffee makers, and lawn sprinklers.

• First, remove the aerators (screens) from their taps.
• Next, 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 10 to 20 minutes or until it runs clear.
• Finally, rinse aerators as needed and place back on their taps.

If, after 10 to 20 minutes, water does not run clear, contact Utilities at 778-797-2246.