The Region of Durham has announced upcoming water disruptions in Durham affecting parts of Scugog Township and the Municipality of Clarington as part of its regular water supply system maintenance program.
The region has contracted IQ Environmental to clean the watermains in Greenbank, located in Scugog, and Newcastle, located in Clarington. The cleaning work is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the quality and reliability of the local water supply infrastructure.
In Greenbank, the watermain cleaning program is scheduled to take place between April 27 and April 29. In Newcastle, the work will be performed over a longer period, running from May 4 through May 29. The region says residents in affected areas will receive a hand-delivered notice 24 to 48 hours prior to the start of the cleaning operation on their specific street.
Authorities have assured residents that the work will be carried out in an efficient manner with the least possible inconvenience. All cleaning operations will be performed during nighttime hours, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following morning, to minimize disruption to daily activities.
The Region of Durham has issued several important reminders for residents in the affected areas. Residents are advised to keep a supply of water on hand for drinking, cooking and general purposes during the cleaning procedure. It is also suggested that residents close the shut-off valve at the water meter to ensure that water is not drawn into the home until cleaning is completed.
Where closing the shut-off valve is not possible, the region stresses that no water should be used for any purpose during the cleaning period. This includes flushing toilets, running furnace-mounted humidifiers and backwashing water softeners. If water is used during this period, it could result in debris and material being drawn into the internal plumbing of the home, potentially causing blockages that could require costly repairs.
Once the cleaning operation is complete in each area, residents are asked to turn on a cold water tap only and let it run for approximately five minutes before using any hot water. This flushing process helps clear any residual material from the household plumbing system.
The watermain cleaning program is a preventive maintenance measure designed to remove sediment and buildup from the distribution pipes, which helps maintain water quality and flow rates throughout the system. The Region of Durham conducts these cleaning programs on a regular rotating schedule across its service areas.
Residents who have questions or concerns about the upcoming water disruptions are encouraged to contact the Region of Durham’s water services department for more information about the specific timelines and streets affected in their neighbourhood.
With Greenbank’s cleaning scheduled for late April and Newcastle’s work stretching through much of May, residents in both communities should prepare accordingly by stocking up on drinking water and being mindful of the overnight work schedule in their areas.
