Taking Care of Our Essential Infrastructure: Sewer Inspections and Hydrant Flushing Begin

The City of Owen Sound is continuing its commitment to maintaining safe, reliable, and high-quality municipal services through ongoing work led by our Public Works team.  

This spring and summer, residents will see crews carrying out important inspections of sanitary sewer infrastructure alongside the annual fire hydrant flushing and inspection program, both of which are critical to protecting public health, ensuring clean and safe drinking water and supporting everyday life in our community. 

Municipal water and wastewater systems operate largely out of sight, yet they play a vital role in daily life; delivering clean drinking water, supporting emergency services, and safely removing and treating wastewater. Proactive maintenance and monitoring ensure these systems continue to function efficiently, helping prevent disruptions and costly repairs. 

As part of this work, the City has once again retained Rapid Assessment Technology Services Inc. to inspect sanitary sewer mains using rapid acoustic technology. This non-invasive approach allows crews to assess pipe conditions quickly and accurately, identifying potential concerns such as blockages or structural weaknesses without disrupting service to residents. By detecting issues early, the City can address them before they escalate into more significant problems. This work is scheduled to begin the week of May 4. 

At the same time, the City will begin its annual fire hydrant flushing and inspection program on Monday, May 4, continuing through September. This work is completed by zone, and by the end of this process, every hydrant in Owen Sound will be flushed. This ensures hydrants are in proper working condition and helps maintain water quality throughout the distribution system. Flushing will begin in areas closest to the Water Treatment Plant and gradually move outward across the system. For detailed information about each zone, please refer to the maps below.  

The City’s water system includes approximately 684 fire hydrants. These hydrants are tagged with reflective coloured rings that indicate available fire flow, supporting emergency response planning. Red rings indicate the lowest available fire flow, while blue rings indicate the highest. 

During hydrant flushing, residents may notice temporary changes such as low water pressure or cloudy or rusty water. These effects are normal, particularly in areas with older cast-iron water mains, and are short-lived. Running a cold water tap for 5 to 30 minutes will typically clear any discolouration. If concerns persist, residents are encouraged to contact the City’s Water Department. 

While no disruption to sewer or water services is expected during these activities, there may be brief and localized traffic impacts where crews are working. 

How Residents Can Help 

Residents play an important role in supporting the health of our City’s water and wastewater systems. Follow these important steps: 

By investing in regular maintenance, modern inspection techniques, and community awareness, the City continues to safeguard its infrastructure, protect the environment, and ensure dependable service for residents today and into the future. 

For more information, please contact Bryce McDonald, Manager of Water and Wastewater, at 519-376-4440 ext. 3224 or email bmcdonald@owensound.ca   

Quick Facts: 

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