The District of Invermere’s Water Department has commenced its annual program of flushing water mains within the district.

“You may experience loss of water pressure or a brief period of no water. When the water pressure returns, you may experience the water supply showing sediment and discolouration. This sediment is bacterially harmless, however it may cause some discolouration to laundry if not detected. To avoid any inconvenience check the water colour prior to using. If you do experience dirty water, simply run a cold water tap for several minutes until the water clears up. This may be a good time to open an outside tap and water trees or shrubs until the water runs clear,” the district advises.

“Water mains are primarily sized for fire flow which means that the speed of flow under normal use by customers is generally very low. As a result it is common for sediment to accumulate in the water mains and then to be stirred up by heavier than normal water flow such as opening a fire hydrant. Most water distribution systems have some accumulation of sediment that has settled in the bottom of the mains. How much sediment exists is a function of the quality of the water source, treatment and the type of piping. In most cases the sediment can be adequately removed by periodically flushing the main.”

The District of Invermere has a regular flushing program that keeps the mains relatively clean and minimizes ‘dirty water’ complaints throughout the majority of the year. In the spring and fall, water main flushing is done to remove sediment and pipe scaling and continue providing high quality potable water. To complete this process takes anywhere from four to eight weeks.

Generally, water main flushing begins at the well or treatment plant and works outward, flowing each hydrant in turn until the water is relatively clear. Methods of diffusing the outflow of water from the hydrant is considered for each location so as not to damage public or private property. In addition, the water being flushed out of the system is dechlorinated in order not to impact the naturally occurring watercourses in the community, the district explained.

The district operates a dual source water supply system. For areas above Mount Nelson Athletic Park, residents are served with water from the Paddy Ryan Reservoir System. The Paddy Ryan System is supplied by several man-made surface reservoirs fed by a diversion of Goldie Creek (pictured above). This water is treated by chlorine and our newly constructed Ultraviolet Disinfection system and meets the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.

For the Fort Point, Wilder, Downtown and portions of Athalmer, your water is primarily supplied by the Athalmer Well System located on Sifton Street. This water is pumped from an aquifer to a reservoir at Mount Nelson Athletic Park, disinfected with chlorine and pumped into the system.

“While well water is not required to be chlorinated, we add the disinfectant as a precaution. This source also meets the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines,” the district said in a social media update May 4.

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