Water discoloured or water pressure drop? Don't worry, Newmarket residents, it's water main cleaning time

Yorkregion.com
May 16, 2022

If your water pressure is lower than normal or your water is discoloured, don’t worry.

It’s because Newmarket’s annual water main cleaning program is back.

Wards 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will see uni-directional flushing (UDF) from May 17 until October.

That means watermains are cleaned by flushing water from one fire hydrant to another.

The higher water velocity technique allows for better scouring of the pipes and can use up to 40 per cent less water than conventional flushing methods.

UDF is considered a “best practice” in preserving high-quality water and maintaining municipal and regional water distribution infrastructure, the town said in a statement.

The work will take place three to five times a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“When the UDF work is being conducted, the majority of residents will not notice any changes to their water delivery service,” the town said.

“However, in some instances, homes may experience lower water pressure and/or discolouration in the water. Please note that discoloured water does not pose a health hazard. If this occurs, residents can run their faucets for a short time until the water is clear.”

Residents may also see water being flushed out of hydrants.

For more information, visit https://www.newmarket.ca/LivingHere/Pages/Utilities/Water%20and%20Wastewater/Water-Swabbing-Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx?utm_source=Local+and+Regional+News&utm_campaign=29621d8f01-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_05_05_03_55&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_63e49cedbf-29621d8f01-711437557 or call the town at 905-895-5193.