Water and Sewer By-law
Water and Sewer Rates By-law 1768-19
Water System Information
- Quality: TH19
- Specific Conductivity: (UMHOS) 756
- Treatment: Filtration, iron removal, CI
- Average Flow: 914 cu.m/day
- Peak Flow: 1496 cu.m/day
- Design Flow: 1993 cu.m/day
Sewer Information
- Type of Treatment: Facultative Lagoons
- Average Flow: 1199 m3/day
- Design Flow: 1347 m3/day
Discoloured Water (Red Water)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Discoloured water can result from routine operations such as water main breaks or water main cleaning.
1. What should I do if my water is discoloured?
We recommend that you do not use discoloured water for any purposes that require clean water, such as for drinking, preparing food and beverages, or laundry. Discoloured water may contain metals (e.g. manganese) that can have health effects if consumed in large amounts or over an extended period of time. In addition, discoloured water does not taste, smell or look pleasant, and it can stain clothes.
To check if discoloured water has passed:
- Turn on a cold water tap and let the water run for a few minutes. It is best to use a bathtub tap as there is no screen to trap any sediment. You can collect this water and use it to water your plants. Do not use a hot water tap because it could draw sediment into your hot water tank.
- Catch some water in a light-coloured cup. If the water isn't clear, turn off the tap, wait 30 minutes and try again. Discoloured water usually doesn't last long.
2. Why is my water discoloured?
Discoloured water is from a change in flow of water in the system. This can cause sediment in the water pipes to loosen and be released into the water. The change of flow may be caused by activities such as water main breaks, firefighting or water main cleaning.
3. How long does discoloured water last?
Discoloured water usually doesn't last long. Water main work in the area or water main cleaning may cause water to be discoloured for under an hour. A very large water main break may cause water to be discoloured for a couple hours.
4. Is discoloured water safe if I drink it?
We recommend that you do not use discoloured water for any purposes that require clean water, such as for drinking, preparing food and beverages, or laundry. Discoloured water may contain metals (e.g. manganese) that can have health effects if consumed in large amounts or over an extended period of time. In addition, discoloured water does not taste, smell or look pleasant, and it can stain clothes.
5. What should I do if my laundry has been stained by discoloured water?
If you notice rust or iron on clothes when taking them from the washer:
- Don't dry them in the dryer or rewash in hot water before treating the stains, as heat sets the stains and makes them difficult or impossible to remove
- Do not use chlorine bleach to attempt to remove rust stains, as chlorine will make the stain permanent
- Rewash the clothes immediately in clear water with a heavy duty detergent
There are a number of commercial stain removing products available that can remove rust stains (e.g., White Brite, RoVer Rust Remover, Rit Rust Remover, Red-B-Gone, Whink Rust & Iron Stain Remover, Super Iron Out Rust Stain Remover). Check to see if the removers are intended for white or colourfast fabrics only. Handle with care and use carefully according to the manufacturers' direction. Rinse the clothes thoroughly after treating with a stain remover.
There are also a number of eco-friendly stain removing alternatives.