Flushing
SPRING WATER MAIN FLUSHING (March 6th - April 20th)
Updated: May 11, 2012
GEID's Spring Water Main flushing was completed on April 18th. Complexes, including residential strata buildings, schools, UBCO, plazas etc should be flushing their own internal systems after our flushing is complete. If using an onsite fire hydrant, a private hydrant permit must be issued by GEID. This is a requirement both of the Kelowna Fire Dept & GEID. See below for more details.
General Information on GEID Water Main Flushing
While flushing, crews use hydrants and blow-offs to move large volumes of water through GEID mainlines. This not only affects and stirs up water in the immediate lines being flushed but also cause disturbances to water on nearby roads. For that reason, residents can be affected even when their property is not in the immediate area being flushed.
Flushing occurs between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm. Avoid doing laundry during these times. During this period you may experience variations in the water pressure and some discoloration in the water. If you experience discoloration, run the cold-water tap until the water runs clear. Please check your water for clarity prior to using.
The District normally advertises the flushing dates in the Daily Courier and the Capital News in advance of the flushing and throughout the flushing period. The District also updates its website daily to highlight the roads that will be flushed the following day. A map of GEID's servicing area is attached. Please note that the Union area comprises the Glenmore Zone, West and East side. Areas.pdf
GEID flushes its water mains each spring and fall. Flushing normally occurs over 6 or 7 weeks and is an important step in maintaining a healthy water system. If you wish to be notified of scheduled water main flushing in your area, please email hbauer@geid.org and ask to be added to our email flushing notification list; your street address must be included in this request. Although the District makes every effort to advise its customers in advance of scheduled water main flushing, emergency flushing due to water main breaks or other events do occur and advance notice of such flushing is not possible.
The following zones were flushed during these weeks:
- March 6th - 8th UBCO zone - Includes UBCO campus, Kelowna Airport, Airport Industrial Park, Yaletown Condos (Glenmore Rd N.) and areas of Curtis Rd.
- March 12 - 16th Ellison zone (east of Airport)
- March 19 - 22nd Scenic Zone/Upper Glenmore Bench This zone comprises McKinley, Scenic, Valley, Sexsmith & Lougheed Roads, including College Heights & Solterra.
- March 26th - 30th Glenmore Zone/West Side
- April 2nd - 5th Glenmore Zone/East Side
- April 10th - 11th Wilden Subdivision
- April 16th - 17th Quail Ridge (including Aberdeen Hall School)
- April 18th Dry Valley
PRIVATE WATERMAIN FLUSHING AND PRIVATE HYDRANT USE
Complexes, including multi-family developments, schools, institutions, plazas, etc. are required to flush their internal lines, either by accessing a private on-site hydrant, or opening valves located within the complex. All private flushing should be done after GEID has completed its mainline flushing in that area.
Permits to access private hydrants are mandatory and a requirement of both GEID and the Kelowna/Ellison Fire Depts. Please contact GEID for your permit prior to use. There is no charge for private hydrant permits.
