Watermain Maintenance
With 100% groundwater as the County's drinking water source, mineral build-up in the water distribution system is common. Watermain maintenance helps ensure your service continues running smoothly.
Watermain flushing
Regular watermain flushing helps maintain drinking water quality by removing build-up and mineral deposits in the distribution system. Oxford County Water Operations performs watermain flushing twice a year by forcing water through watermains at high speed and discharging it through hydrants and blow-offs. The fast-moving water washes away any sediment. Flushing takes place between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on the dates specified below, with the exception of Ingersoll.
| COMMUNITY | FLUSHING DATES | TIME |
|---|---|---|
|
Otterville and Springford |
April 1 - April 4 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Norwich |
April 7 - April 11 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Tavistock |
April 7 - April 11 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Lakeside |
April 14 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Brownsville |
April 14 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Beachville |
April 15 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Embro |
April 15 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Mount Elgin |
April 16 - April 17 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Sweaburg |
April 16 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Hickson and Dereham Centre |
April 17 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Plattsville |
April 22 - April 25 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Thamesford |
April 22 - April 25 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Innerkip |
April 28 - May 1 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Drumbo and Princeton |
April 28 - May 1 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Ingersoll (South of King St., including King St.) |
May 5 - May 9 |
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. |
|
Ingersoll (North of King St.) |
May 12 - 16 |
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. |
New map: Flushing status by neighbourhood
When will flushing take place in your neighbourhood? Check the interactive map to see the status of watermain flushing in your community.
Each coloured-in area is made up of dots that represent individual fire hydrants.
- Orange shows communities where flushing is scheduled but still needs to take place
- Green shows communities where flushing has been completed.
- Clicking on any area will show the timeframe for flushing.
Work schedules are subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact Oxford County Public Works at 1-800-755-0394, x 3915 or email Public Works.
For more information, please see the Fall 2024 Flushing Schedule.
Flushing can cause discoloured water.
Discoloured water following watermain flushing is not uncommon and is only temporary. This is an aesthetic characteristic of the water, and not a health concern.
We recommend waiting until your water runs clear before using it.
Please contact Oxford County if:
- Your water clarity has not returned to normal two hours after flushing.
- You have low water pressure or no water after watermain flushing.
Before
- Set aside tap water for drinking, cooking, and other household uses
- Complete tasks that use tap water in advance (i.e., cleaning, showering, laundry)
During
- Avoid using water to prevent drawing discoloured water into your pipes
After
- If you experience discoloured water, run cold water for 10 minutes until the water runs clear. This could be done from an outside tap or laundry faucet if not connected to a water softener or filter
*TIP You can use your garden hose to water your lawn or garden while completing this step!
- Resume normal use
Watermain Cleaning
Occasionally, watermains may require cleaning to maintain the water quality and supply you expect.
| COMMUNITY | SWABBING DATES | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Bright | May 21 - May 23 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Water service will be off periodically for three (3) days between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Wednesday, May 21 to Friday, May 23.
Additional cleaning with foam swabs will occur. It is important that you DO NOT turn on your water while swabbing is taking place to avoid drawing discoloured water or foam swab pieces into your home’s internal plumbing. It is the consumer’s responsibility to take the below preventative measures.
Cleaning can cause discoloured water.
We recommend waiting until your water runs clear before using it.
Please contact Oxford County if:
• Your water clarity has not returned to normal two hours after watermain cleaning
• You have low water pressure or no water after watermain cleaning.
BEFORE
- Set aside tap water for drinking, cooking, and other household uses
- Complete tasks that use tap water in advance (i.e., cleaning, showering, laundry)
- Turn off your incoming water supply as well as your water softener and the electrical supply to your hot water tank
DURING
- Do not use water to prevent drawing discoloured water and foam swab pieces into your pipes.
AFTER
- Turn on a cold water tap not connected to a water softener or filter and let it run for approximately three (3) to five (5) minutes or until the water runs clear.
*TIP - Use your (unsoftened) garden hose to water your lawn while doing this step!
- Flush other taps/toilets as needed to remove the discoloured water from your pipes
- When the water is clear, turn on your water softener and the electrical supply to your hot water tank
- Resume everyday use, including drinking the water and washing clothes