Safe and Clean Drinking Water

Did you know that leaving your home, cottage, or business for prolonged periods of time can be harmful to your water system? It's true! As fewer people use the building water systems, there is increased potential for water stagnation that can increase the risk for bacterial growth (such as Legionella). The water systems requirements, developed in consultation with Health Canada, include the following measures to help mitigate these risks:

  • Regular flushing of the buildings cold water systems to ensure continued water use while a building is partially occupied or unoccupied.
  • Additional flushing of all fixtures before re-occupancy
  1. Flushing Your System
  2. Resources
  3. FAQs
  4. Water Quality Sampling

1. Flush ALL cold water taps

Turn on all cold water fixtures (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, refrigerator drinking water, toilets, etc.):.

  • Residential for a minimum of 5 minutes
  • Commercial for a minimum of 30 minutes

2. Flush ALL remaining Appliances and Faucets

Open any remaining fixtures such as hoses, external faucets, fixtures, etc. to finish the flushing of your system. Take extra care to remove stagnant water from other appliances including but not limited to:

  • Humidifiers
  • Oral, Medical, or Health Care Devices
  • Water Filters
  • Dishwashers
  • Ice Makers

4. Extra Considerations

  • Ice Makers: If you have an ice maker in your refrigerator, please throw away all ice and replace the filter in your ice maker (if equipped). 
  • Water supplies for pets: Our furry family members need clean water too. Be sure to empty all water bowls, bottles, etc. and replenish with safe water after flushing your system Be sure to wash your pet's bowl as well before refilling with tap water.
  • Water Filters: Clean or change your water filter as required. If you need more information please contact your manufacture/filter company directly.