Watermain Maintenance

With 100% groundwater as Oxford County’s drinking water source, mineral build-up in the water distribution system is common. Regular watermain flushing helps maintain drinking water quality by removing build-up and mineral deposits in the distribution system. This is done by forcing water through watermains at high speed and discharging it through hydrants and blow-offs. The fast-moving water washes away any sediment.

Fall watermain flushing begins September 16 and runs until November 9, 2026. Find the fall flushing dates for your community below.

Print version: 2026 Fall flushing schedule

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 after repeated attempts.
• You have low water pressure or no water after watermain flushing.

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 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

Having 100% groundwater as our drinking water source means that mineral build-up in our distribution system is common. Watermain cleaning helps ensure water service continues running smoothly. Additional cleaning with foam swabs will be used to remove any accumulated material in the watermain.

Fall watermain maintenance (swabbing) begins in Princeton on Monday, September 21, at 8:00 p.m. and runs until Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. Water service will be off periodically overnight for three (3) nights from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Please see the notice delivered to your home for more information including how to prepare or download a copy of the notice here.

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 resident’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 after repeated attempts following watermain cleaning
• You have low water pressure or no water after watermain cleaning

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 until the water runs clear.

*TIP: You can use your garden hose to water your lawn or garden while completing 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