Water

Discoloured and dirty water 

To determine why your water is discoloured or dirty, you will need to know if the discolouration is in the hot water or cold water. Tip: If it is in the cold water, it will be in the toilets.

If discoloured hot water, you will need will to flush your hot water tank. This process does not require a plumber or gas company. If you have access to the internet, you can search “how to flush a water heater” and there are detailed instructions as well as videos to assist. The Town does not look after hot water tanks.

If you have discoloured cold water, let the water run from the highest point of the house (upstairs bathroom) until it runs clear. If this does not clear the water, please contact the Town of Newmarket Customer Service Department at 905-895-5193 to see if there is work being done in your area. The Town has hard water with minerals (iron) which causes discolouration. 

Cloudy water

Cloudy water generally indicates that there is air in the pipes, usually more prevalent in cold weather. Cloudiness does eventually clear (approximately 10 seconds) and is not harmful; it's a side effect of hard water. If it does not clear, please contact the Town of Newmarket Customer Service Department at 905-895-5193.

Odour or taste

If you detect unusual odour or taste, first try to flush your hot water tank. If this does not help, please contact the Town of Newmarket Customer Service Department at 905-895-5193.

Low water pressure 

There could be a number of reasons for low water pressure:

• If you have a water softener, put it on bypass and see if you have received your full water pressure back. If so, this is an indication that the water softener filter needs to be replaced or the softener needs maintenance. You may search online for your softener make and model to see where the bypass button is and what maintenance is required. Please note, even if your softener is not on or being used, water will still go through unless it is on bypass.
• If there was a water valve repair or replacement recently, the valves may not be fully open or turned all the way. Please check all the valves inside the home. If there is no change, please call the Town of Newmarket at 905-895-5193 to book an appointment for staff to investigate.
• There may be aerators (the screen located at the end of the faucet) that are blocked or clogged. You will need to unscrew the aerator on the faucet and clean the aerator.

If none of the above applies to you, please call the Town of Newmarket at 905-895-5193 to book an appointment for staff to come out and investigate. Please ensure someone the age of 18 is home to allow staff access.

When making improvements to your home, such as the installation of fences, pools, decks, or landscaping, it is important to locate all your utility lines and make arrangements for water and sewer locates before digging.