Water Main Swabbing in New Sudbury

For Immediate Release                                                
Monday, August 10, 2015

Water main flushing and cleaning has begun on Notre Dame Avenue to Arthur Street and along Lasalle Boulevard until Friday, August 21. All work will take place from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

The City of Greater Sudbury is responsible for a municipal water main network of approximately 950 km. A portion of this total water main network is scheduled for cleaning to maintain the quality of municipal drinking water.

Iron and manganese, minerals that naturally occur in groundwater, eventually settle in municipal water mains, sometimes causing brownish or reddish coloured tap water. There are no health risks associated with discoloured water but high iron content may stain laundry.

Flushing scours sediments from the bottom and sides of municipal water mains using high velocity water pressure. Fire hydrants and blow-off valves are used as flush-out points. Residents may notice discoloured water and/or low water pressure during flushing operations.

If you notice discoloured water following flushing operations, let the cold water tap closest to your water meter run slowly for several minutes until the water is clear of any sediments in your water pipes. If water is cloudy, you can let the cold water tap at the highest point in your home run slowly for a few minutes to release trapped air bubbles that cause cloudiness.

Prolonged episodes of discoloured water and/or low water pressure should be reported to the City of Greater Sudbury by dialing 3-1-1.

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