Uni-Directional Flushing Program
WE WILL START OUR 2024 UNI-DIRECTIONAL FLUSHING SEASON ON TUESDAY, APRIL 2ND, 2024.
Uni-directional flushing will begin on Tuesday, April 2nd in the West end of the City. Notices will be issued to affected customers by our automated phone system* in advance of flushing. Below you will find maps with dates of the affected areas.
Sault Ste. Marie Overview Map- UDF Program
West End UDF - Area 10A Map (May 8 - 23)
West End UDF - Area 10B Map (May 23 - 31)
West End UDF - Area 11A Map (May 31 - June 14)
West End UDF - Area 11B Map (June 14 - July 2)
Flushing the watermains improves water quality by removing sediment that slowly builds up at the bottom of the watermain over time. The sediment comes from internal corrosion of the watermains over many years.
Uni-Directional Flushing increases the speed of the water flowing in the main so as to produce a scouring action that removes loose sediment and deposits. The flushing starts at a clean water source (e.g. the water pumping stations) and moves through the distribution pipes. This ensures that clean water is always used to flush the mains.
The PUC urges customers not to use any water during the flushing activities on their street to avoid drawing discoloured water into their house plumbing.
If customers do draw discoloured after, they are requested to immediately stop using water until PUC has finished flushing activities on their street. Once PUC has completed flushing the street, affected customers should flush a cold-water tap (preferably in a laundry tub without screens or filters) for up to 15 minutes maximum to clear the lines before calling PUC. Do not use a hot water tap because it could draw sediment into your hot water tank.
If the water does not clear up after 15 minutes of flushing, wait 30 minutes and try again. If the water does not clear up after two 15 minutes flushing cycles, please call PUC Customer Experience at 705-759-6522 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 705-759-6555 at all other times.
Water Quality Frequently Asked Questions
*To confirm if your contact information is up to date, please contact our Customer Experience team at 705-759-6522 Monday through Friday from 9:00am - 4:30pm or email customer.care@ssmpuc.com.
