Seasonal hydrant flow
PUC Services Inc. would like to advise customers in the East End of the City that crews will be in the area to conduct hydrant flow tests periodically over the next few months, starting Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
These flow tests determine the flow rate and water pressure at specific locations within PUC’s water distribution system. They are required under the Fire Code to determine how much water would be available during a fire emergency.
During testing, it’s possible for water flow in the pipes to temporarily reverse. This can stir up sediment that naturally settles in watermains, which may cause tap water to appear discoloured.
If you experience discoloured water, here’s what you can do:
* Run a cold-water tap (preferably a bathtub or basement laundry tub, as there is no screen to trap sediment) for up to 15 minutes. Running the cold-water tap helps flush out the sediment and avoids pulling it into your water heater. If the water doesn’t clear, wait 30 minutes and try again.
* After two 15-minute flushes, if the water is still discoloured, please call PUC Customer Experience at 705-759-6500 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or 705-759-6555 (after hours/emergencies).
The flow testing process requires a total of about six weeks to complete, with activities scheduled periodically over the coming months based on operational needs.
Note that this program is separate from Uni-Directional Flushing, which is a proactive watermain cleaning program. Visit PUC’s website for more information on Hydrant Flow Testing and Uni-Directional Flushing.
