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.

Under a Water Quality Advisory, children, the elderly and those with weakened immunity must use water brought to a rolling boil for one minute or more, or seek an alternative safe source, for brushing teeth, drinking, making baby formula and ice, preparing food and beverages and washing fruits and vegetables. 

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

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.

Flushing schedule and maps

2025 Program Information

The City’s annual watermain flushing program is progressing, with crews beginning work in Zone 2 (see map - RV02) of the Rose Valley Service Area on Thursday, May 15, 2025. An isolated, precautionary water quality advisory will be in effect within this area while the work is underway and continuing until further notice.

In Zone 1 – Rose Valley neighbourhood, the watermain flushing is complete, and the related isolated, precautionary water quality advisory for that zone has now ended.

Flushing will be carried out between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, with some weekends and evenings 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 the activity at a nearby hydrant.

The annual flushing program resumes in the early spring and proceeds through late fall, by Zone, as weather conditions permit:  

Former Lakeview System:

• Zone 1 (see map – RV01) - 2last flushed April 15, 2025 to May 14, 2025.
• Zone 2 (see map – RV02) - 2025 flushing beginning May 15, 2025.
• Zone 3 (see map – RV03) - 2025 schedule TBD - last flushed June 30 to April 19, 2024.
• Zone 4 (see map – RV04) - 2025 schedule TBD - last flushed April 22 to May 22, 2024.
• Zone 5 (see map – RV05) - 2025 schedule TBD - last flushed May 23 to July 24, 2024.

Former West Kelowna Estates System:

• Zone 2 (see map – WKE02) - 2025 schedule TBD - last flushed July 25 to Sept. 24; and Oct. 24 to Nov. 20, 2024.
• Zone 1 (see map – WKE01) - 2025 schedule TBD - last flushed Aug. 19 to Sept. 24; and Oct. 24 to Nov. 20, 2024.

Former Sunnyside/Pritchard System:

• Zone 1 (see map – SS01) - last flushed Oct. 10 to Nov. 22, 2024.
  
• Zone 2 (see map – SS02) - last flushed Sept. 18 to Dec. 20, 2024.
• Zone 3 (see map – SS03) - last 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 and temporary water discolouration. If drainage allows, water may be drained directly onto the street or into a storage truck where the water can be disposed of.

Crews flush the mains at high velocities to scour accumulated sediment and mineral deposits from the pipes to help improve water quality and flows.

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 20 minutes or until it runs clear.
• Finally, rinse aerators as needed and place back on their taps.

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