Routine System Maintenance

Watermain and Sanitary Sewer flushing are only two of the preventative maintenance activities Water and Wastewater engage in to keep the systems clean and working effectively.

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Water System Maintenance

• Hydrant dip testing
• Hydrant inspections
• Leak detection
• Valve turning
• Watermain flushing

Wastewater (Sanitary Sewer) System Maintenance

• Manhole maintenance
• Sanitary sewer flushing (sewer main flushing)

Watermain Flushing

The flushing of watermains is necessary to remove sediment that gradually deposits in the pipes and keep the distribution system clean and efficient, which results in better water pressure and improves water quality.

This is done twice a year, once in the spring (where we only do dead end streets), and once in the fall where entire systems (including dead end streets) are done.

Watermain flushing can cause temporary discolouration of the water, however this will end when the work in the area is done. Residents should check their water before drinking, doing laundry or cooking. (Water remains safe to drink but is not aesthetically pleasing). Residents should run their cold water taps for a few moments to clear, or if they see that flushing is planned in their area, fill some water jugs for use.

Watermain flushing can also cause periodic pressure fluctuations. This will also stop when the work is done.

Note: Water from flushing is dechlorinated, and then travels down the storm sewers and back to the river.

Hydrant Inspections

Hydrant inspections in Lindsay, Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls (the only three systems that are fire-rated), are completed routinely. These inspections are completed to ensure that fire hydrants are working properly to ensure efficient flow (in the event of a fire and to ensure sufficient water pressure for homes and businesses), to check that there are no leaks, that the flow from the hydrant matches the colour its painted and that the pressure of the water flow is sufficient to ensure optimal water quality.

Note: The colour of the cap (bonnet) on a hydrant in a fire-rated system indicates the water pressure / capacity.

• Blue is very high capacity
• Green is good capacity
• Orange is adequate water supply
• Red is limited water supply

Hydrants located in non-fire rated areas, have black caps (bonnets). Municipal-owned hydrants have yellow bodies.

Private hydrants have red bodies.

Note: If you have a private hydrant on your property, you will receive notice from the City and will be required to have the hydrant inspected annually by a certified contractor. The report created by the Contractor must be sent to the City. 

Valve Exercising (Turning)

The pipes in the water distribution system are connected by valves. These valves are used to direct water and to isolate lengths of pipe during repairs or an emergency. It is important that these valves are in good working order. Valves are exercised routinely throughout the year.

Hydrant Dip Testing

Dip testing is a routine maintenance check done on all hydrants in City of Kawartha Lakes water distribution systems to verify that a fire hydrant and its base/barrel are draining properly and are not plugged or flooded with groundwater. It ensures that the drain valve at the base of the hydrant opens when shut down, allowing residual water to empty out so the hydrant does not freeze in winter or breed stagnant water bacteria.

Dip testing is an important part of our routine maintenance activities designed to keep the drinking water systems efficient and healthy.

Sanitary Sewer Flushing (Sewer Main Flushing)

This is like watermain flushing, only this is done in the sanitary pipes (wastewater collection system), which is an entirely separate piping system from the water. (i.e., waste from toilets and from sanitary sewer flushing travel through the sanitary sewer piping system to the Wastewater treatment plant where it is all treated and cleaned.)

Sanitary sewer flushing is also done to keep the wastewater collection system as clean and efficient as possible. It can cause bubbling of toilet water, or a vacuum effect so residents are asked to keep their toilet seats closed whenever possible. Residents are also asked to refill all of their plumbing traps by running the water in their sinks and floor drains when the work is done to help gases and odours from entering the home.

Manhole Maintenance

Manholes are routinely inspected and cleaned to ensure optimal performance of the sewer system and to ensure resident safety.