Watermain Flushing

Crews are conducting watermain flushing in West Kelowna neighbourhoods as part of the City’s annual maintenance of the water distribution system and in advance of connecting all customers to the new Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant. 

During flushing, customers may experience reduced water pressure or discolouration. Any disruption should be brief and only occur while mains in the area are being flushed. 

Customers should take some important steps before, during and after flushing moves to their areas.

Precautionary Water Quality Advisories 

When watermain flushing is occurring in your area, a related water quality advisory will be in effect; please see our interactive map below 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.

Interactive map 

Find out which zone you live in:

1. Click on the magnify glass in the top right corner.
2. Type your address into the search bar.
3. The map will navigate you to the address to determine which zone you live in.
4. Alternatively, click on the water quality advisory area for more details.

Flushing schedule and maps

Watermain flushing will continue throughout 2023 within the Rose Valley Water Service Areas - the Lakeview, West Kelowna Estates, and Sunnyside/Pritchard Systems - as weather conditions allow. 

Watermain flushing will be carried out between 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, with the schedule subject to change. 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.

Work began in the Rose Valley - Lakeview System on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 and watermain flushing will proceed through the series of zones sequentially as noted below. Use our interactive water quality map to determine when a water quality advisory is in effect in your zone during flushing: 

Rose Valley - Lakeview System - see map:

   1. Zone 1 - Started March 21, 2023; completed May 10, 2023
   2. Zone 2 - Started May 10; completed June 28
   3. Zone 3 - Started June 30
   4. Zone 4 
   5. Zone 5 

Rose Valley - West Kelowna Estates System - see map:

   6. Zone 1 
   7. Zone 2 

Rose Valley - Sunnyside/Pritchard System - see map:

   8. Zone 1 
   9. Zone 2 
   10. Zone 3 

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 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.