Watermains and valves

Learn more about watermain flushing, how to report a watermain break, where the water valve is located on your property, and approval requirements for watermain alteration.

On this page

  1. Watermain flushing program
  2. Reporting a watermain break
  3. Locating a water valve on your property
  4. Tips for valves on driveways
  5. Learn about our fire hydrant regulations
  6. Utilities locates terms and conditions
  7. Apply to alter watermain, stormwater or wastewater infrastructure

Watermain flushing program

Over time iron and other minerals settle in watermains (large pipes that carry water underground) which may cause discoloured water to flow into your home.

Our cleaning program improves water quality by flushing pipes with fresh water. No chemicals are used but you may notice water looks different as minerals are discharged. Visit our water quality page for tips on clearing discoloured water.

For questions about watermain flushing, contact our service centre during business hours.

2025 flushing schedule and updates

The watermain flushing program is scheduled for April 14 to May 20 2025. Use the Watermain Flushing Map below to find the area your property in. Dates are subject to change, check the website often for updates on your area. 

AreaSchedule dateStatus
5A April 14, 15 Complete
5B April 14, 15 Complete
5C April 15, 16 Complete
5D April 15, 16 Complete
5E April 15, 16, 17 Complete
5F April 16, 17, 22 Complete
5G April 16, 17, 22 Complete
5H April 16, 17, 22, 23 Complete
5I April 17, 22, 23, 24 Complete
5J April 22, 23, 24, 25 Complete
5K April 22, 23, 24, 25 Complete
5L April 22, 23, 24, 25, 28 Complete
5M

April 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30

May 1

In progress
5N

April 24, 25, 28, 29, 30

May 1

In progress
6A

April 25, 28, 29, 30

May 1, 2

In progress
6B

April 25, 28, 29, 30

May 1, 2

In progress
6C

April 25, 28, 29, 30

May 1, 2, 5

In progress
6D

April 29, 30

May 1, 2, 5, 6

Not started yet
6E

April 29, 30

May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7

Not started yet
6F

April 29, 30

May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8

Not started yet
6G

April 29, 30

May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Not started yet
6H

April 30

May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Not started yet
6I

April 30

May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12

Not started yet
6J May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 Not started yet
6K May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13 Not started yet
6L May 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13 Not started yet
6M May 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15 Not started yet
6N May 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Not started yet
6O May 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20 Not started yet

 


Reporting a watermain break

Watermain breaks are caused by extreme weather, freeze/thaw cycles and old age. Signs of a problem include water pooling or flowing above ground or reduced water pressure in your home. 

If you suspect a break, contact us immediately at 519-886-2310.


Locating a water valve on your property

Every property has a water valve access point (also known as a shut-off valve). It is usually found in a front yard or driveway. The valve is the only way to turn off water supply for maintenance or valve replacement.

If the valve is not visible, crews may need to dig up your driveway to locate it. They will repair the area but will not replace or match the entire driveway.


Tips for valves on driveways

Before you do substantial work replacing or renovating your driveway two weeks prior to starting work:

  • request a free valve inspection at 519-886-2310
  • contact Ontario One at 1-800-400-2255 to locate utilities
  • if your work is impacted by infrastructure it will be marked by paint, flags or stakes
  • ensure your contractor doesn't pave or cover over the valve when doing work
  • you will be notified by email when you locate is complete, downloadable maps/sketches are available for 30 days
  • before starting any large scale project, ensure you have all your permits - check with our building division

View the video below to learn why it is important to have your water shut-off valve located before finishing your driveway.


Fire hydrant regulations

Hydrants are inspected annually to ensure they work properly in emergencies. Based on the Ontario Fire Code Regulation 388/97, all fire hydrants in the city must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.

If you have a fire hydrant on your property, it is your responsibility to ensure:

  • the hydrant is visible and accessible at all times
  • the hydrant has at least 1.2 meters of space around it at all times
  • there's no snow, trees or any other vegetation preventing it's use

Utilities locates terms and conditions

Standard terms that apply to locates in Waterloo:

  • underground city's infrastructure must be supported at all times
  • if delays past two weeks should occur on the locate information, a new locate must be obtained
  • no digging, boring, trenching, grading, excavating or breaking ground with mechanical equipment or explosives without making sure the location of any pipeline may be interfered with
  • excavators must not work outside the area originally located without a further locate
  • if excavation is necessary near underground utilities, extreme caution must be taken and the underground utilities shall be exposed by hand digging within one meter of the location
  • if underground infrastructure is exposed over a distance of more than 1.25 metres, you must notify the city
  • locates are only valid for 60 days, then you must reapply

Apply to alter watermain, stormwater or wastewater infrastructure

View the water utilities alterations page to apply to alter water infrastructure.