- Updates will be posted when available
Watermains
Township of Severn distributes drinking water in serviced areas to residents and businesses through watermains.
In order to ensure the highest quality of water possible for our community, we routinely perform watermain cleaning as part of our preventative maintenance program.
About watermain flushing
Flushing is undertaken to clean sediment build-up from the underground pipes. Flushing forces water through the watermains at a high speed and discharges it through open hydrants until the water runs clear.
Flushing schedule
We typically flush watermains during regular business hours:
- Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2025 flushing schedule
- Updates will be posted when available
- Updates will be posted when available
- Updates will be posted when available
- Updates will be posted when available
- Updates will be posted when available
Notifications
Flushing should cause little to no impact to your water delivery.
We'll notify customers of the flushing schedule by posting the information on our newsfeed and updating this page.
About watermain swabbing
Periodically, when needed, we swab some watermains in certain systems. This involves inserting a foam sponge ('swab') into the watermain through a fire hydrant. The swab is pushed along through the pipes using water pressure to clear any sediment that has built up inside the watermain.
Swabbing schedule
We typically flush or swab watermains during regular business hours:
- Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
It may take approximately two hours to swab and clean the watermains. Some sections may take up to four hours.
Notifications
We'll notify all customers impacted by a planned watermain swabbing using the following methods:
- newsfeed
- hand-delivered notices to your property at least one day prior to the planned work
- updating the Watermains page
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions.
How can I prepare for flushing?
Before the watermain flushing on your street begins, you should:
- fill a container with tap water for drinking and cooking and store it in your fridge
- complete dishwashing, clothes washing and any activities that use water before the watermain flushing is scheduled to start
Is there anything I should do after the watermains are flushed?
After the watermains on your street are flushed, you should run cold water through the tap closest to your water meter until the water is clear.
How can I prepare for swabbing?
Before the watermain swabbing on your street begins, you should:
- fill a container with tap water for drinking and cooking and store it in your fridge
- complete dishwashing, clothes washing and any activities that use water before the watermain swabbing is scheduled to start
- fill your bathtub with water for use around the house
- use a pail to transfer water to your toilet so you can flush your toilet
- turn off any water treatment systems, including water softeners, or shut off the main water supply using the shut off valve located at your water meter
What should I do while the watermains are being swabbed?
While the watermains on your street are being cleaned, you should:
- avoid using water, including hot water because it will likely be discoloured
- avoid washing your clothes or doing dishes with discoloured water because it may cause stains
Is there anything I should do after the watermains are swabbed?
After the watermains on your street are swabbed, you should:
- run cold water through the tap closest to your water meter until the water is clear (don't use a tap with a filter system because the sediment may clog the filter)
- once the water is clear, turn on your water treatment devices, flush each tap to remove discoloured water, and flush toilets
Please contact us if you have poor water quality, no water or low water pressure in your home after the watermains have been swabbed.
Once the water has cleared and is no longer discoloured, you can resume all regular activities, including drinking. Drinking small quantities of discoloured water shouldn't cause a health problem.
What should I do if my laundry is stained?
If you're washing clothes and get discoloured water, stop the cycle while the tank is full and wait until clear water is available to finish your laundry. If the spin cycle has finished, keep the clothes wet and rewash when clear water is available. If you wash your stained clothes using a commercial rust remover, follow the instructions on the package.
Where does the sediment in the watermains come from?
The sediment in the watermains consists mostly of iron and manganese oxides. These oxides are heavy and will settle on the bottom of watermain piping during periods of normal water use.
How can I report a concern about flushing or swabbing?
If you would like to report an issue, please submit your concern using our eServices portal. If you need assistance please email our Customer Care Team or call 705-325-2315 for one-on-one account support.
Contact us
1024 Hurlwood Lane
Severn, Ontario
Phone: 705-325-2315
Fax: 705-327-5818
Contact us
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