The City of St. John’s will start its hydrant flushing maintenance program after this holiday weekend. The flushing part of the city’s work to ensure to safe drinking water.
The city normally conducts a unidirectional water main flushing program from May to October. The activity ensures the quality drinking water within the water distribution network.
“You may not even be aware that flushing is taking place in your neighbourhood. Flushing is generally conducted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,” a news release said Friday morning.
“ While the hydrants are open, the residents in the neighbourhood may experience discoloured water or a small drop in water pressure, however, your water service should not be interrupted. If you have no water pressure please notify Access St. John's at 311 or (709) 754-CITY (2489) as soon as possible.”
When flushing is being carried out on your street residents avoid using water for any purposes that require clean water, such as preparing food and beverages, medical and dental procedures, or laundry. It’s also best not to use your hot water system to avod sediment being drawn into your hot water tank.
Discoloured water
If water is discoloured, turn on a cold water tap and let the water run for a few minutes.
The city recommends using the cold water faucet on a bathtub. Do not choose a tap that has a water filter connected to it, or the sediment may clog your filter. Do not use a hot water tap because it could draw sediment into your hot water tank. Catch some water in a light-coloured cup or container to see if it is clear. You can use your water if it is clear.
If the water does not clear in 15 minutes, the city advises that residents wait 30 minutes and try again. If the water is still discoloured after three to four hours, please call Access St. John's at 311 or (709) 754-CITY (2489).
