People living in West Courtenay could see some cloudy water starting around mid-October.
This is because the city is flushing water mains in the neighbourhood from Oct. 13 to Nov. 13.
Crews will be flushing in the area between Menzies Avenue, Lake Trail Road, Arden Road, and the Puntledge River from October 13th to 30th, weekdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
They’ll be doing overnight flushing between Anderton Avenue, 10th Street, Menzies Avenue, and the Puntledge River, including the downtown core, from Oct. 26th to Nov. 13th from 9:00pm to 7:00am weekdays.
During flushing hours, homes and commercial properties in the area may experience temporary, short-term water pressure fluctuations, along with cloudy water or discolouration.
The city says that while flushing will occur over a large area during this time period, water should only be affected for a limited time, “typically less than an hour.”
The city says things like doing laundry and dishwashing should be scheduled outside of flushing hours.
To clear discoloured water, run cold water taps.
If the water isn’t clear after an hour, you’re asked to call Public Works Services at 250-338-1525, Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm or the after-hours emergency line at 250-334-2947.
Unidirectional flushing (UDF) involves the strategic use of valves and hydrants to isolate sections of water mains.
“Through this method, crews are able to achieve higher water velocity, which in turn increases effectiveness and reduces water use by 40 per cent compared to conventional flushing methods,” the city said.
“UDF enhances overall water quality within the water distribution system, and improves system operations by reducing turbidity, removing sediment, silt and biofilms, lowering chlorine demand, increasing system hydraulic capacity, and increasing the life of system components.”
