Watermain Breaks

Causes of the break

Water main breaks can happen at any time of the year for various reasons:

1. Ground temperature and water temperature are major factors with water main breaks. The sudden and severe temperature changes can cause water main breaks as the ground contracts, expands, and puts pressure on the water pipes. Prolonged periods of below zero temperatures can cause the soil to freeze quite deeply into the ground. During winter, frost depths can reach up to 3 metres or 10 feet deep. This freezing can cause expansion and contraction that creates force on the water main. During summer, hot dry or very wet conditions can cause the ground to expand and swell putting pressure on underground pipes.
2. Change in pressure can cause water main breaks. This usually occurs at weak points in the water pipe. Demand on the system can also cause changes in pressure, such as high water usage on a hot summer day, which can contribute to a break.
3. As water pipes reach the end of their life cycle, and with the natural wear and tear, the likelihood of a break or leak increases.
4. Water pipes are made of material that can corrode or crumble the outside of the pipe in certain soil conditions. Soil conditions can vary within a stretch of water pipe, creating leaks or breaks at any point.

Fixing the break

Repair time can vary on:

• the location of the leak
• condition of the soil
• condition of the pipe
• complication of the break
• availability of repair materials
• difficulty and location of the excavation

It is difficult to estimate when water service will be restored. We will make every effort to minimize the length of time customers are out of water.

At any time, there could be a number of emergency water service repairs within the City of Kenora.

Projects are prioritized based on risk of property damage, impact to critical facilities (such as schools and hospitals), or the number of residents without water.

We understand that water service interruptions are a major inconvenience. We will always make the effort to resume this service as soon as possible.

Stopping the water

Turning off water service is necessary for various reasons, and one of them may be a water main break.

We will attempt to notify all affected customers. For smaller and concentrated areas, you will receive a hand delivered notice. If the entire City is shut down, you will be notified in the local newspaper, radio, website, social media, or by mail.

Water main breaks are unpredictable. If you have not received a notice, and there is an interruption in water service, it may be that a quick response was needed to prevent a large leak from causing property damage or the leak was found early morning or late evening.

Preparing for your water being turned off

Before the water service interruption, you can prepare by:

• storing water in the fridge for drinking
• storing water in the bathtub, clean pails, sinks, jugs or any clean container that is appropriate to hold water.

Flushing the toilet

By pouring stored water into your toilet bowl to empty its contents, you may continue to use the washroom during water service interruptions

Drinking the water

Before water service is restored, we flush the water lines and test water quality to ensure it is safe to drink. You may receive a Boil Water Advisory notice.

Water may be discoloured after a water main break and repair. To flush your home water system, run a cold water tap until water is not discoloured.

Also wash tap aerators and screens in hot soapy water, then disinfect for ten minutes in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Disinfect any water filters to the manufacturer's recommendations.

For further information about water treatment, contact the Northwestern Health Unit.