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(Submitted photo/City of North Battleford)
Water maintenance

North Battleford begins water line flushing May 10

Apr 27, 2021 | 5:00 PM

North Battleford residents will have to be prepared on May 10 for a brief pause on water usage in multiple neighbourhoods.

The City will begin the 2021 unidirectional water line flushing on Monday, May 10 with an estimated end date of Monday, May 24. Anyone living in Maher Park, McIntosh Park, Kinsmen Park, Riverview neighbourhoods, downtown and parts of the Paciwin, Sapp Valley and Centennial Park neighbourhoods will be affected.

This process moves water through the lines at a high velocity, creating a scouring action and discharging water, which removes any buildup of sediment from the line. Communications administrator Dustin MacDonald said this is an important annual process to have optimal water quality. The material removed from the lines through the flushing process is harmless and requires no special treatment.

“We do this every year to maintain water mains, ensure water distribution lines are operating efficiently and make sure everyone’s water quality is the best it can be,” MacDonald said.

“Water Main Flushing” signs present on the affected blocks indicate what residents will be affected by the unidirectional flushing that night.

(Submitted photo/City of North Battleford)

Affected residents can continue with normal water usage until 7:00 pm that evening, waiting until at least 7:00 a.m. In some cases, water main flushing of a block may take a few nights, meaning residents may use the water as normal from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

MacDonald recommended setting aside some water for washing your hands, food and more. Residents are also encouraged to fill their bathtub.

“That way you can manually flush your toilet before the morning,” MacDonald said.

A list of tips to protect against discoloured water and sediment produced during the flushing process, including turning off water softeners and other devices that use water, is available on the city’s website. MacDonald recommended running the water from an outside tap the next day.

“It’s a good idea to run the tap closest to the meter outside for about 10 minutes, water should be fine after this,” he said.

The City will not assume responsibility for damages that occur as a result of water tap use or toilet flushing while the flushing is active. Anyone who utilizes medical equipment requiring continuous water supply should call city hall immediately.

cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

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