Municipal Services
Watermain swabbing is a pipe cleaning process used to maintain water quality in a water distribution system. It involves inserting a foam swab, slightly larger than the pipe diameter, into the watermain through a fire hydrant. High-pressure water pushes the swab through the main, scrubbing the interior and removing sediment buildup. The process helps improve water clarity, freshness, and flow. Water is flushed until it runs clear, is done when water service is turned off.
The Municipality uses a number of methods to inform customers of planned cleaning/swabbing areas:
Information posted on the Municipality's website
Social Media campaign on both Facebook and Instagram
Before the scheduled operation begins, you should:
It is recommended that you turn off your water valve, to prevent water use during this time
Fill a clean container with tap water for drinking and cooking (store in fridge)
Complete all dishwashing, clothes washing and other water-use activities
Fill your bathtub with water for use around the house (you may use a pail to transfer water from the bathtub to your toilet bowl to allow your toilet to flush)
Please do not use your water when your street is being cleaned/swabbed. We recommend turning off your main water shut-off before swabbing begins to avoid any inadvertent running of the water – which may result in discoloured water/sediment being drawn into your internal plumbing.
If the water remains discoloured please repeat until the water runs clear. If your remains discoloured, please contact the Municipality for assistance at 705-752-1410.
If you experience lower-than-normal water pressure after the maintenance is complete, please verify if it is at just one tap, or throughout your home. If it appears to be at one location only, try removing and cleaning the aerator (screen) at the tap and run the water until it clears.
If you experience lower-than-normal water pressure or no water after the cleaning is complete, please call the Municipality at 705-752-1410.
Once the normal water clarity has returned, all normal uses can be resumed, including drinking the water.
The red/brown coloured water is from iron that has built up in the watermain. When conducting watermain swabbing and flushing programs, the iron is removed and as a result you may notice discoloured water flow into the catch basin and into the stream.
Prior to the water flowing into the catch basin and stream, any chlorine residual is removed. While aesthetically unpleasing, the discoloured water presents no harmful effects to the wildlife in the streams.
Generally, multiple streets identified will be completed within the scheduled day. Work is typically completed within 8 to 10 hours and includes set-up and removal of the equipment.