With 100% groundwater as the County's drinking water source, mineral build-up in the water distribution system is common. Watermain maintenance helps ensure your service continues running smoothly.

Watermain flushing

Regular watermain flushing helps maintain drinking water quality by removing build-up and mineral deposits in the distribution system. Oxford County Water Operations performs watermain flushing twice a year by forcing water through watermains at high speed and discharging it through hydrants and blow-offs. The fast-moving water washes away any sediment. Flushing takes place between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on the dates specified below, with the exception of Tavistock and Ingersoll.

Ingersoll: Please note watermain flushing in the Town of Ingersoll will begin south-west of King Street, moving east on Monday, April 17, at 8:00 a.m. Once the south portion of the town is done, we will begin flushing on the north side of King Street, moving east to west beginning at 8:00 a.m. Monday, April 24. Flushing in Ingersoll is expected to be wrapped up by Friday, April 28 at 11:30 p.m.  

Sweaburg: An earlier schedule indicated flushing in Sweaburg would take place on Monday, May 22. This date has been changed to Tuesday, May 23. 

2023 SPRING FLUSHING SCHEDULE
COMMUNITYFLUSHING DATESTIME
Plattsville April 3 – April 6 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thamesford April 3 – April 6 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Norwich April 10 – April 14 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ingersoll (South of King St.) April 17 – April 21 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Ingersoll (North of King St.) April 24 – April 28 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Tavistock

April 30
May 1 – May 5

7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Otterville-Springford

May 1 – May 4

 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Brownsville May 5 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Lakeside May  8 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mount Elgin May  8 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Innerkip May  9 - May  12 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Beachville May  9 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Bright

May 10

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Embro May 11 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Dereham Center May 12 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hickson May 12 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Drumbo/Princeton May 15 – May 19 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sweaburg May 23 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

 Download the resident handout

 
 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Flushing can cause discoloured water.

Discoloured water following watermain flushing is not uncommon and is only temporary. This is an aesthetic characteristic of the water, and not a health concern.

We recommend waiting until your water runs clear before using it.

Please contact Oxford County if:

  • Your water clarity has not returned to normal two hours after flushing.
  • You have low water pressure or no water after watermain flushing.
 STEPS TO PREPARE 
 

Before

  • Set aside tap water for drinking, cooking, and other household uses
  • Complete tasks that use tap water in advance (i.e., cleaning, showering, laundry)

During

  • Avoid using water to prevent drawing discoloured water into your pipes

After

  • If you experience discoloured water, run cold water for 10 minutes until the water runs clear. This could be done from an outside tap or laundry faucet if not connected to a water softener or filter

*TIP You can use your garden hose to water your lawn or garden while completing this step!

  • Resume normal use


Watermain Cleaning

Occasionally, watermains may require cleaning to maintain the water quality and supply you expect.

UPCOMING WATERMAIN CLEANING
COMMUNITYFLUSHING DATESTIME
Brownsville - Download notice Friday, October 7, 2022 9:00–11:00 AM
 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
 

Additional cleaning with foam swabs will occur. It is important that you DO NOT turn on your water while swabbing is taking place to avoid drawing discoloured water or foam swab pieces into your home’s internal plumbing. It is the consumer’s responsibility to take the below preventative measures.

Cleaning can cause discoloured water.
We recommend waiting until your water runs clear before using it.

Please contact Oxford County if:
• Your water clarity has not returned to normal two hours after watermain cleaning
• You have low water pressure or no water after watermain cleaning.
 STEPS TO PREPARE
 

BEFORE

  • Set aside tap water for drinking, cooking, and other household uses
  • Complete tasks that use tap water in advance (i.e., cleaning, showering, laundry)
  • Turn off your incoming water supply as well as your water softener and the electrical supply to your hot water tank

DURING

  • Do not use water to prevent drawing discoloured water and foam swab pieces into your pipes.

AFTER

  • Turn on a cold water tap not connected to a water softener or filter and let it run for approximately three (3) to five (5) minutes or until the water runs clear  TIP - Use your (unsoftened) garden hose to water your lawn while doing this step!
  • Flush other taps/toilets as needed to remove the discoloured water from your pipes
  • When the water is clear, turn on your water softener and the electrical supply to your hot water tank
  • Resume everyday use, including drinking the water and washing clothes