NORTH BATTLEFORD - The City of North Battleford has announced that the city will begin its annual unidirectional water line flushing on Monday, May 8 and should conclude on or before May 19.
According to a press release from the city, areas scheduled for the 2023 flushing process include the western part of the city between Territorial Drive and PÄ“yak Trail, through 105th Street. This excludes the areas north of 20th Avenue and River View.
The city’s operations department notes,
"The necessary process ensures the City’s water distribution lines operate efficiently and that city water quality remains optimal," the release reads.
"...the process is completed by moving water through city pipes and lines at a high speed, creating a scouring action. The water is then discharged [flushed], removing any buildup of materials in that line."
The city is asking residents to watch for signs reading 'Water Main Flushing' on their block, indicating that they will be affected by the unidirectional flushing that night. Residents in the affected block can continue to use water regularly until 7 p.m. on nights when flushing occurs.
The city has advised that there are several tips that can help prevent discoloured water and sediment from affecting residents' homes, which include:
- Do not use any taps after 7:00 p.m.
- Fill your bathtub or pails before 7:00 p.m. for water to manually flush toilets
- Set aside water for washing hands, washing dishes and consumption
- Turn off your water or shut off/isolate water appliances such as water softeners, ice makers, water-cooled utilities, or any other devices that may use water
- If necessary, run the water from an outside tap for 10 minutes or until the water runs clear
- Restart your water appliances such as water softeners, ice makers, water-cooled utilities and any other devices that were turned off on nights that flushing occurs
"Water tap use or toilet flushing, while the unidirectional flushing is active, can result in stained laundry, plugged filters, and damage to water heaters. The City is not responsible for any damages caused during this process."
The city also notes that if you use medical equipment requiring continuous water supply, please call city hall immediately at 306-445-1700. If you are a commercial customer that operates during flushing hours, contact city hall for more information.
