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 hot and 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 hot water taps for a minimum of 5 minutes

Begin by opening all hot water fixtures to run for a minimum of 5 minutes. These include but are not limited to kitchen appliances, bath fixtures (shower heads and faucets), and laundry room fixtures.

2. Flush ALL cold water taps for a minimum of 5 minutes

Once the hot water tank and fixtures have been flushed, open ALL cold water fixtures (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, refrigerator drinking water, toilets, etc.) for a minimum of 5 minutes.

3. Flush ALL remaining Appliances and Faucets

Open any remaining fixtures such as hoses, external faucets, fixtures, etc. for a minimum of 5 minutes 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.