Watermain Flushing Program

Flushing is generally conducted Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and  8 p.m. While the hydrants are being flushed, customers in the immediate area of the flushing may experience discoloured water or a small drop in water pressure but water service should not be interrupted. We recommend avoiding doing loads of white laundry on these days between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. We recommend checking around your neighbourhood for water in the roadway to see if crews are in your immediate area. Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend waiting until the following day to do laundry to avoid any discolouration. In the event that you have no water pressure, please notify Public Works 24/7 dispatch line at 506-853-3333 as soon as possible.

Flushing of pipes and fire hydrants is required to maintain water quality. The scouring effect of high velocity water helps to clean the interior of the pipes, flushing the accumulated sediments out of the system, removing stale water, and restoring chlorine residual. The City has an annual flushing program, which is carried out in the spring when there is extra water available.

Since water mains are sized to allow adequate and safe flows for fire protection, water typically is moving through the underground pipes at less than 1 km/hr. This slow movement allows mineral deposits to accumulate in pipes over time. The build-up can restrict water flow in the pipes and contributes to corrosion and water colour problems. Periodic flushing removes the mineral deposits and is critical to maintaining water quality and the water system.

The City will have three crews in three different locations each week throughout the City. Each week, the map will be updated to advise residents if crews will be in their area the following week. Highlighted areas are scheduled to be flushed. Updates will be made on this webpage as well as via the City of Moncton’s social media channels.

Should black or brown coloured water appear, do not be alarmed. It is recommended you do not use the water or do laundry.  Run your faucets for a few minutes to make sure the water is clear and then resume normal water use. If water does not clear within a few hours or you have lost all water pressure, please notify our 24/7h Public Works Dispatch Line at 506-853-3333.