Watermains

What’s new

The City’s annual watermain flushing program is progressing, with crews scheduled to start work on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Zones 1 and 2 of the former Sunnyside/Pritchard System (see map, SS01 and SS02), with an isolated, precautionary Water Quality Advisory in effect within this area while the work is underway and continuing until further notice.

To learn about what steps customers should take before, during and after flushing, please find more information below.

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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.

Watermain Flushing

Crews are conducting watermain flushing in West Kelowna neighbourhoods as part of the City’s annual maintenance of the water distribution system.

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 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.

Flushing schedule and maps

Watermain flushing will continue throughout 2024 within the Rose Valley Water Service Area - the former 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.

The annual watermain flushing program will resume in the spring and will proceed through the series of zones sequentially as noted below.

Former Lakeview System:

Zone 1 (see map – RV01) - Started March 21, 2023; completed May 10, 2023
Zone 2 (see map – RV02) - Started May 10, 2023; completed June 28, 2023
Zone 3 (see map – RV03) - Started June 30, 2023; completed April 19, 2024
Zone 4 (see map – RV04) - Started April 22, 2024; completed May 22, 2024
Zone 5 (see map – RV05) - Started May 23, 2024; completed July 24, 2024

Former West Kelowna Estates System:

Zone 2 (see map – WKE02) - Started July 25, 2024; temporarily paused Sept. 24, 2024
Zone 1 (see map – WKE01) - Started Aug. 19, 2024; temporarily paused Sept. 24, 2024

Former Sunnyside/Pritchard System:

Zone 1 (see map – SS01) - Started Oct. 10, 2024
Zone 2 (see map – SS02) - Specific section of Zone 2 started Sept. 18, 2024, remaining started Oct. 10, 2024
Zone 3 (see map – SS03)

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 watermain 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 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.

Learn more about watermain flushing

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.