Watermains and Maintenance

Watermain Swabbing Maintenance Program

Newmarket has a Watermain Swabbing Maintenance Program to ensure safe, high quality drinking water. This annual routine distribution system maintenance work helps reduce the effects of water degradation and is one of the most effective water distribution system maintenance procedures. This procedure also helps maintain the watermains to ensure the infrastructure will hold up during emergencies.

Swabbing involves scouring the watermain with foam swabs and high velocity water. These swabs are injected at a hydrant, pushed through the watermain using water pressure, and removed further down the main through another fire hydrant. The diameter of the swab is slightly larger than the watermain and it scours and clears any built-up sediment as it passes through. The hydrants are left open until the water runs clear. This helps to keep your water clean, fresh, and flowing freely.

This procedure requires that water be turned off briefly while each section of watermain is prepared for swabbing. During swabbing, the pressure will be reduced considerably and residents are asked not to run water during this time. Once the watermain has been cleaned, normal pressure will be restored. Some residents may be impacted more than once depending on their location.

Discoloured water is a possibility after swabbing is complete. If discolouration occurs, please run your faucets until the water is clear. The discoloured water does not pose a health hazard.

If the water does not clear up after a few minutes, please contact the Town of Newmarket at 905-895-5193.

All residents and businesses located within the swabbing maintenance area will be notified by a letter or door hanger 24 hours in advance. For more information please call 905-895-5193 or email info@newmar​ket.ca.

Dead end watermain flushing

​Dead end flushing is a routine watermain maintenance technique used to ensure that dead end watermains are flushed in order to bring fresh water into the area, and remove built-up sediment from the pipes.

Dead end watermains often experience the greatest effect of water age in distribution systems due to low flow rates and higher water age. This is dependent on the length of the dead end and number of services that draw water from it.

During dead end watermain flushing, residents may notice temporary water pressure fluctuations, as well as brief periods where your water may become cloudy or discoloured. If you notice discolouration, run the cold water tap (at the laundry tap) without an aerator until the water is clear.

For more information​, please call 905-895-5193 or email info@newmar​ket.ca..

Uni-directional Flushing Program

​​The Town conducts a Uni-directional Flushing (UDF) Program each year. This process is considered to be one of the best ways to preserve high water quality and maintain the reliability of the water distribution system.

The UDF method cleans the watermain lines through a network of flushing sequences, with the water being discharged from a fire hydrant. It involves closing valves in a specific sequence to create water movement in one direction while opening specific hydrants at the end of that sequence. This technique allows higher water flow velocities by isolating certain sections of watermains. The higher velocity allows for better scouring of the pipes and uses 40% less water than conventional flushing methods. Flushing pipes at higher velocities will dislodge and remove mineral deposits, biofilm and sediment that accumulate in the watermains.

In most cases, customers will not notice any changes to their water delivery during the UDF process. However, in some instances, homes may experience a temporary slight drop in water pressure and/or discolouration in cold water. There should be no disruption in service. Under most circumstances, you can run your faucets for a short time after the testing is completed and the water should clear at your residence. Discoloured water in itself does not pose a health hazard, however if the water does not clear up after running your tap for a few minutes please contact Customer Service at 905-895-5193 or at info@newmar​ket.ca.

Image

Watermain Flushing Program

Regular watermain flushing is an important component of a comprehensive water quality management program. Newmarket's Watermain Flushing Program flushes over 300 kilometres of watermains. The Town's Operations Department and approved contractors, in coordination with the Region of York, flush potable water at a high velocity through the watermains to ensure that all piping is refreshed and minor sediment within the pipe is removed. Fire hydrants are generally used as flush-out points.

While this program is underway, short periods of low pressure and discoloured water may be expected. Any discolouration is temporary and not a health hazard. Residents are asked to minimize their water consumption and avoid doing laundry if a change in water appearance is noticed. To clear water lines, residents are advised to turn on their cold water tap in a bathtub or laundry tub until the water runs clear.

Should water discolouration persist, residents should contact the Town of Newmarket at 905-895-5193 or at info@newmar​ket.ca.

We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our residents during this program and apologize for any inconvenience this program may cause.

Watermain breaks

Watermain breaks occur due to the following reasons:

• Corrosion
• Temperature changes
• Rapid changes in pressure and/or flow directions

Once the Town is notified of a watermain break, our water and wastewater staff are dispatched to determine the severity of the break. Newmarket will then notify utility companies and wait for locates to ensure it is safe to dig.

In some instances, Town staff may stop the flow of water in order to repair the watermain. Property owners affected by the watermain closure will be notified regarding the repair work being done in the area with an orange door hanger notice and the approximate time it will take to complete the repair.