City staff said crews are “actively responding” to a number of watermain breaks across Ottawa during
the recent cold snap
.
The city has received 32 requests for service over the past two weeks reporting
watermain leaks and breaks
.
“It’s important to note that these requests do not all represent watermain breaks on public infrastructure, as further investigation may show
that the leak
is originating from a private watermain or water service,” said Carol Hall, the city’s manager of water linear systems.
The city has so far confirmed 15 watermain breaks, two leaking service posts and seven leaks on the private side of the water service, which are the residents’ responsibility.
Of the 32 reported incidents, the city has also identified one case of residual water from fire hydrant use and one case of water running down the road as a result of flooding a skating rink.
The remaining reports are still under investigation, staff said.
“City crews have been working around the clock, including through the holidays and in adverse winter weather conditions, to complete repairs as quickly and safely as possible while maintaining water quality and water service and minimizing impacts to residents,” Hall said in an email on Jan. 6.
A leak on Fanshaw Avenue in the Alta Vista neighbourhood was resolved on Jan. 3 after it was first identified earlier this year during a routine leak survey, Hall said.
“These surveys often detect very small leaks which are prioritized for repair based on severity, location, potential impact on residents, water quality, and infrastructure condition. Urgent cases are addressed immediately. In this case, the Fanshaw Avenue leak recently increased in size, raising its priority,” Hall said.
City staff said crews investigate and assess each report of a suspected broken watermain to determine the urgency and potential impacts on residents and the city’s water service.
Residents who notice water seeping from the ground are encouraged to call 311.
