Water Main Flushing

Regular flushing is an important component of a comprehensive water management program. The City of Kelowna flushes 310 km. of water main annually to prevent bacterial re-growth and stagnation in low circulation areas of the distribution system. Flushing the mains using water under high pressure cleans out these areas, along with the rest of the system. Flushing is generally done between March and October.

The City of Kelowna Water Utility uses “uni-directional” flushing. This means the valves in the pipe network are closed in sequence, drawing water from previously flushed pipes through the pipe that is to be cleaned. This ensures that all piping is refreshed and that minor sediment within the pipe is removed.

Fire hydrants and blow-off valves are used as flush-out points. Water flushed from hydrants is collected in a truck where it’s dechlorinated to protect streams and Okanagan Lake. It’s then discharged to clean street surfaces and flush storm drains and sanitary sewers. It is not practical to re-use this water for irrigation, filling residential swimming pools or other purposes.

All storage reservoirs are also drained, scrubbed and disinfected yearly.