City Draining Ellis Reservoir for Regular Inspection

Sep 25, 2020

The Ellis Reservoir, the main water reservoir for the City of Greater Sudbury, is undergoing the final phase of its regular scheduled inspection. The water will be drained over the next few days, with inspections completed by end of next week.

The reservoir is made up of two separate tanks. The first tank was drained back in July, which involved stopping the flow and letting the water drain into the water distribution system. Once that was finished, the drain valve was opened and the remainder of the water flowed into the storm collection system. The same process will be repeated in order to inspect the second tank.

Residents may notice the draining water flowing down the reservoir access road and then travelling along Lonsdale Avenue, Howey Drive, under the railroad tracks and eventually into Ramsey Lake. In order to protect the environment, the water will be dechlorinated as it drains from the reservoir, and the fluoride injection system will be turned off. The City has notified all federal, provincial and Public Health officials of the procedure.

The water in the first tank, along with the capacity of both the David Street and the Wanapitae water treatment facilities, will ensure sufficient water volume and flow during the maintenance period, even in the event of an emergency such as a fire or watermain break.

Sudbury residents may notice pressure fluctuations or discoloured water during this process. Residents with discoloured water should slowly run a cold water tap near their water meter for a few minutes until water is clear of sediment. For prolonged water discolouration issues, call 311.