Uni-Directional Flushing Program

OUR NEXT UNI-DIRECTIONAL FLUSHING SEASON  WILL START ON MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025

Notices will be issued to affected customers by our automated phone system in advance of flushing. 

Flushing the watermains improves water quality by removing sediment that slowly builds up at the bottom of the watermain over time. The sediment comes from internal corrosion of the watermains over many years.

Uni-Directional Flushing increases the speed of the water flowing in the main so as to produce a scouring action that removes loose sediment and deposits. The flushing starts at a clean water source (e.g. the water pumping stations) and moves through the distribution pipes. This ensures that clean water is always used to flush the mains.

The PUC urges customers not to use any water during the flushing activities on their street to avoid drawing discoloured water into their house plumbing. 

If customers do draw discoloured after, they are requested to immediately stop using water until PUC has finished flushing activities on their street. Once PUC has completed flushing the street, affected customers should flush a cold-water tap (preferably in a laundry tub without screens or filters) for up to 15 minutes maximum to clear the lines before calling PUC. Do not use a hot water tap because it could draw sediment into your hot water tank. 

If the water does not clear up after 15 minutes of flushing, wait 30 minutes and try again. If the water does not clear up after two 15-minute flushing cycles, please call PUC Customer Experience at 705-759-6500 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 705-759-6555 at all other times.