Watermain Flushing Program
Watermain Flushing maintains water quality
Toronto Water's Watermain Flushing Program aims to maintain the high quality of the city's water and increase the capacity of the water system.
Flushing is scheduled in the Toronto/East York (PDF) district starting in May 2012 and in the North York district starting in August 2012. Work will continue through to October 2012. Operations will be carried out from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. This timing could change to accommodate to emergencies or special needs as they arise.
Flushing is a method of cleaning the watermain pipes by forcing water through them at high speed and discharging it through hydrants, which are left open until the water runs clear. This fast-moving water flow scours and cleans out mineral deposits and sediment that have built up over time and settled at the bottom of the pipes.
View this brief presentation for a closeup of the operation.
During the operation, you may experience temporary discolouration of water. Any disruption should be short-lived and occur only while the watermain pipes in the area are being flushed.
If you experience a loss of water that lasts for a long time, call 311.
During watermain flushing
- Do not turn on your taps or flush your toilets. This could draw sediment into the water pipes on your property, water meter, hot water tank, and into water filters.
- Turn off all time-delayed water-line appliances.
Optional precautionary measure
- Store a sufficient reserve of drinkable water for use during the above hours.
When watermain flushing is completed
- Remove aerators (screens) from taps.
- Turn on your cold water laundry tub tap (or the tap located nearest your property’s water meter/shut-off) and let it run for a minimum of 10 minutes or until it runs clear.
- Place the aerators back on taps.
Questions?
See Frequently Asked Questions about Watermain Flushing.