Watermain Swabbing and Cleaning Program in Village of Carp to Begin July 7
- Ward 5 Staff
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The History
Back in April 2025, Councillor Kelly met with City staff from the Infrastructure and Water Services Department (IWSD) department in response to the many calls and emails he received from residents in the Village of Carp about the quality of the water and the issues it causes residents and homeowners.
As outlined in the Councillor’s April 2025, Issue 57 newsletter, the IWSD agreed to move forward with a plan to clean the village’s water pipes to remove the iron buildup in the system, and that this important work would likely begin in July of 2025.
About to Begin
The City has now sent out notifications to properties in the village that will be affected by this maintenance, which will begin on July 7th. On the day(s) that work is taking place on your street, do not use any hot or cold water between 8am and 6 pm.
Watermain Swabbing and Cleaning Schedule (8am-6pm each day)
(Provided by City Staff at Ottawa.ca)
📅 Date: July 7, 2025
Streets: Salisbury Street, Deugo Street, Donald B Munro Drive, Villageview Private, Fairside Private
📅 Date: July 9, 2025
Streets: Deugo Street, Salisbury Street, Rivington Street, Donald B Munro Drive, Carp Road, Falldown Lane
📅 Date: July 10, 2025
Streets: Carp Road, Juanita Avenue, Snelgrove Drive, Charlie's Lane, Hidden Lake Crescent, Seagram Heights, Ridgeview Drive, Carp Highlands Court
📅 Date: July 14, 2025
Streets: Langstaff Drive, Juanita Avenue, Inniskillin Drive, Glenncastle Drive, Frances Colbert Avenue, Jensen Court, Rock Dove Court, Craig Lea Drive
📅 Date: July 16, 2025
Streets: Glenncastle Drive, Jensen Court, Cavanagh Drive, Robert Lee Drive, Langstaff Drive, Frances Colbert Avenue (near Langstaff Drive), Parts of Donald B Munro Drive
📅 Date: July 18, 2025
Streets: Donald B Munro Drive, Meadowridge Circle, Salisbury Street, Farmridge Avenue, Fairside Private
📅 Date: July 20, 2025
Contingency Day
What is watermain swabbing and cleaning and why is this maintenance so important?
✔️ Ensures clean, safer drinking water
✔️ Provides better water flow and pressure
✔️ Helps extend the life of underground infrastructure
Here’s an example of what a neglected water pipe can look like. Carp’s water pipes are nowhere near this state, but could be someday if not properly maintained.
Watermain swabbing involves inserting a foam swab into the pipe, which is then propelled through the main to scrub and remove these deposits. This process effectively cleans the interior surfaces of the pipes without the use of chemicals, ensuring that any buildup is safely and thoroughly eliminated. This essential maintenance plays a crucial role in preserving water quality and safeguarding public health.
What to Expect When We’re Working on Your Street in Carp
During swabbing operations, there will be temporary water service interruptions or slight changes in water pressure. This work may disturb sediments. You might notice temporary cloudiness or discoloration (red or rusty) in your water after the process. The sediments are not harmful however they may stain your laundry or bathroom fixtures. This is normal and should be cleared after running your cold water tap for a minimum of five minutes or until the water runs clear. We recommend the following precautions before and after maintenance to minimize disruption and reduce the risk of staining.
Preparing for watermain swabbing and cleaning
Before maintenance:
Save enough water ahead of time to use during the day:
· Draw water before the work starts and save it in containers for drinking and cooking.
· Put a jug of water in your refrigerator for convenience.
· Fill your bathtub and transfer water to your toilet as needed:
· Direct pour method: Fill a bucket with water from your bathtub. Lift the toilet seat and pour the water directly into the toilet bowl. Pouring the water in quickly will create a siphoning effect, flushing the toilet.
· Toilet tank method: Fill a bucket with water from your bathtub. Remove the lid of the toilet tank and pour the water into the tank until it reaches the fill line. Flush the toilet as you normally would.
During maintenance:
- Turn off your water before the work begins and keep it off until the work is finished:
- Close the valve at the water meter, usually located in the basement beside your water meter.
- Do not use any hot or cold water inside or outside your home.
- Notify your insurance company if you have a sprinkler system for fire protection.
- If it is not possible to turn off your water or it is not convenient to do so:
- Do not use any hot or cold water inside or outside your home.
- Disconnect your water softener to prevent it from drawing water during the day.
- On the day that work is taking place on your street, do not use any hot or cold water between 8:30 am and 6 pm.
After maintenance:
- Turn on the water to flush your pipes before using the water:
- Open the valve at the water meter. Do not use the water for drinking, cooking, or cleaning until after you flush your pipes.
- To flush your water pipes:
- Select a cold water tap that is closest to, but located after, the water meter. Ideally, this tap should not have a screen, such as a tap found in a laundry room or outdoors.
- Turn on the tap and let the water run for a few minutes to ensure any sediments or impurities are flushed out.
- Consider using the water for another purpose, such as watering your plants or garden.
- If your laundry becomes stained or discoloured:
- Call or contact 3-1-1. City staff will provide a product called Red-Be-Gone free of charge, which can be added to laundry to remove stains.
Resident maintenance and change notifications
To minimize inconvenience, residents will be notified in advance of any scheduled maintenance activities and within the planned period should the schedule change.
Information regarding the program and schedule will be posted here and delivered to your residence. Staff will provide detailed timelines to affected residents via door hangers 24 hours in advance of the scheduled work.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this essential maintenance work.
