Regular dead-end flushing
We flush hydrants at dead-ends throughout Bathurst year-round to help keep your water clean and clear. It's routine work our Public Works crews carry out on a steady rotation.
See where we're flushing
Our public map shows which hydrants are part of the current flushing cycle, which ones have already been done, and when crews may be working in your area.
How the program works
Our crews flush about 60 hydrants located at dead-ends across the city. They move through the system on a rotating schedule that takes roughly four weeks to complete. Once a cycle is finished, the next one begins.
The public map is linked directly to our field data, so it updates as crews work through each cycle.
What you might notice
Sometimes flushing causes cloudy or discoloured water in homes near the hydrant being flushed. This is temporary and isn't a sign of a water quality issue.
If your water looks cloudy or discoloured, run cold water only for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it runs clear.
Stay informed
We also send alerts through Voyent Alert! when flushing is about to start in a new zone. If you haven't already, sign up for Voyent Alert! so you're notified about work that may affect your area.
Different types of flushing
You may hear about a few different flushing programs throughout the year. Each one has its own purpose and schedule.
Regular dead-end flushing
Routine flushing of hydrants at dead-ends to maintain water quality. Runs on a four-week rotation, year-round.
Reactive flushing
Done in response to a specific event, like a watermain break, when crews need to flush part of the system to restore normal conditions.
Unidirectional Flushing (UDF)
A separate, multi-year program that moves through the distribution system in planned, strategic zones. Typically carried out during the summer months.
Questions?
If you have questions about hydrant flushing or water quality in your area, give City Hall reception a call at (506) 548-0400.