The City of Ottawa’s annual free chlorine burn and hydrant flushing will begin today, and continue for six to eight weeks. The flushing is done in order to provide safe, high quality water to the public. You may experience low water pressure or cloudy water while crews are working in your area. This should only last a short time. Also, you may experience a stronger that usual chlorine smell in the water as it works its way through the system. The chlorine odor should dissipate over time.
City officials remind people that the water is entirely safe to drink and use as normal. If it doesn’t taste right to you, put an open pitcher of water in the fridge for a couple hours, the chlorine taste will go away quicker.
Free chlorine is the disinfectant of choice when they perform a system wide maintenance flush. It helps cleanse the lines and ensures the water continues to be safe to drink. If you have questions or concern, please call the utilities department.
