Water Operations

Power Outages

Each system has access to standby power in the event of a power outage.  For one system, Sand Castle, the water department requires a site visit to restore water service.  All other systems will automatically switch over to standby power without any interruption of service.

During power outages, residents are requested to restrict water usage to essential purposes only.    In larger systems, only some of the wells and pump stations will be kept in operation.  In order to meet the demands of the systems, lawn watering and other non-essential activities should be postponed until power is restored.

Flushing

Click here for 2012 Flushing Schedule

Background

Flushing is an important part of water main maintenance.  Over time, minerals dissolved in water will settle in the water mains.  Flushing uses a high flow of water to clean out the mains and remove sediment.  It has the added benefit of introducing fresh water into all parts of the distribution system.

Water systems in the Township of Tiny are flushed annually.  A large notice board is used to inform residents when their system is going to be flushed and a flushing schedule is posted on the Township’s website.

Effects of Flushing on Residents

During flushing operations, the water pressure may be reduced.  It will be restored to normal once the flushing is complete. 

Some users may experience discoloured water.  This is caused by the removal of sediment from inside the mains.  To clear this discolouration, residents should run a fully open tap until the water runs clear.  This may take 3 to 5 minutes.  This sediment is primarily made up of iron and manganese, two elements that occur naturally in our drinking water.

Unscheduled Flushing

Some flushing activities may occur without notice.  During a fire, water is removed very quickly from the hydrants to fill the tanker or pumper trucks.  This has the same effect as flushing and can cause the same effects.

The Water Department may need to flush mains following the repair of a leak or for other emergency maintenance purposes.  In these situations the priority is to restore service as quickly as possible and it is not possible to provide prior notification.

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