Watermain Flushing

What’s new

As of May 6, 2026, no watermain flushing is currently occurring in the City of West Kelowna's Powers Creek or Rose Valley Water Service Areas.

About watermain flushing

Crews conduct watermain flushing, using hydrants to scour accumulated sediment from within the pipes, as part of the City’s annual maintenance of the distribution system.

Flushing may result in reduced pressure at nearby homes and businesses, for a short period; some of the water that is being directed through the hydrant may also indirectly make its way into customers' homes, schools, care centres, and businesses causing temporary water discolouration in tap water. Do not consume coloured/turbid water; do not use coloured/turbid water for mixing/making baby formula. If water is discoloured, run the cold tap for a few minutes until it runs clear; if the water still has not run clear after 20 minutes, please call us at 778-797-2246.

If needed, an alternative source of water is available at the bulk filling station at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads; bring clean bottles for filling.

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 notices and orders, please read Interior Health's Drinking Water For Everyone resources.

Flushing schedule and maps

General information

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, and the affected areas will be identified in our interactive water quality advisory map.

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.

Rose Valley Water Service Area schedule

Zone RV01 – completed; flushed April 15 to May 14, 2025.
Zone RV02 – completed; flushed May 15 to June 24, 2025.
Zones RV03A, B, C and D – completed; flushed July 7 to Sept. 16, 2025.
Zone RV04A – completed; flushed Sept. 17 to Oct. 2, 2025.
Zone RV04B – completed; flushed Oct. 3 to Oct. 16, 2025.
Zone RV05A - completed; flushed Oct. 20 to Dec. 5, 2025 and resumed March 10 and completed March 24, 2026.
Zones RV05B and RV05C - completed; flushed March 26, 2026 to April 27, 2026.
Zone SS01 – completed; flushed Oct. 10 to Nov. 22, 2024.
Zone SS02 – completed; flushed Sept. 18 to Dec. 20, 2024.
Zone SS03 – completed; flushed April 2 to April 11, 2025.
Zone WKE01 – completed; flushed Aug. 19 to Sept. 24; and Oct. 24 to Nov. 20, 2024.
Zone WKE02 – completed; flushed July 25 to Sept. 24; and Oct. 24 to Nov. 20, 2024.

Powers Creek Water Service Area schedule

A schedule and specified zones, with maps, are being planned.

More information will be shared with customers in advance of flushing, once available.

Why we flush watermains

Crews flush the mains at high velocities using hydrants 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

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.

After

Once flushing is complete, customers should:

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.