Water Main Flushing

November 2025 water system flushing

Water main flushing in the Cove Bay Water System will commence on November 8, 2025. Flushing improves water quality by forcing water through the mains at high speed and discharging it through hydrants. This scours the pipes and removes sediment buildup.

To minimize the impact on Cove Bay residents and businesses, a large portion of the work has been scheduled to take place at night. Most properties will be affected temporarily while flushing is ongoing on their street. However, some properties located at higher elevations may notice a drop in water pressure and outages throughout the morning.

For flushing purposes, BIM has split the water system into four zones, as illustrated below:

A color-coded map showing four water system zones on Bowen Island, labeled “High Zone” (blue, northeast), “Gravity Zone” (purple, central and east), “Cates Hill” (green, west-central), and “Valhalla” (orange, south). Each zone is outlined and shaded in its respective color, with blue dots marking key locations in each zone. The map includes labeled landmarks such as Mannion Bay, Cates Hill Park, and Killarney Lake. Roads and natural features are shown in the background.

The Gravity Zone will be flushed from 12:00 am (midnight) on Saturday, November 8, 2025, and continue for approximately 10 – 12 hours. The Gravity Zone includes:

  • Carter Rd including Island Pacific School and Bowen Children’s Centre
  • Bowen Trunk Rd and Mt. Gardner Rd including Bowen Island Community School
  • Village Square & Dorman Rd
  • Captain Cates Walk
  • Bowen Trunk Rd all the way to the marina
  • Cardena & Venture Rds.
  • Miller Rd.
  • Reed Rd.
  • Deep Bay
  • Seven Hills
  • David Rd.
  • Ecclestone Rd.
  • Robert Rd.

Cates Hill (which includes Artisan Square & Belterra) will commence in Artisan Square at 6:00 am on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and continue over the next 3 days.

Valhalla and the High Zone will commence on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and continue over the next 2 – 3 weeks.

Valhalla Includes:

  • Robinson Rd.
  • Hummingbird Ln.
  • Petersen Rd.
  • Taylor Rd.
  • Cliff Rd.
  • Channelview Dr.
  • Valhalla

The High Zone includes:

  • Upper Oceanview
  • Jason Rd.
  • Moonwinks Dr.
  • Scarborough
  • Creek Rd.

Residents should expect low, or no water pressure for intermittent periods of time whilst the water mains in their area are being flushed. Once the flushing is complete, residents may experience turbidity and should run a cold tap until the water runs clear.

Prepare by setting aside drinking water for urgent needs like drinking, food preparation, and sanitation.

Questions? Contact Public Works at 604-947-4255 ext. 4 or email water@bimbc.ca.

As part of its regular maintenance program, the Municipality flushes water mains in all Municipal water systems, rotating through each neighbourhood.

Water system flushing usually takes place in spring and fall when there is sufficient water in the affected water systems. This procedure is necessary to remove sediment that gradually deposits in pipes, and it does not pose a health hazard.

While the water is not turned off during the flushing process, temporary water interruptions may occur and your water pressure could be low for periods of time. Every effort will be made to ensure that water quality is not affected, but some turbidity and higher than normal chlorine concentrations may be present for short periods of time. Running your tap briefly should clear this up.

Residents are advised to have additional water storage for urgent use whilst flushing is occurring in their water system.

Reminder: it is recommended that people with compromised immune systems ensure their drinking water is boiled, filtered or distilled.

Questions? Contact Public Works at water@bimbc.ca or 604-947-4255 ext. 4.

Water system flushing FAQs

Why is BIM “flushing” the water mains or systems?

Flushing the watermains improves water quality by removing sediment that slowly builds up at
the bottom of the watermain over time. The sediment comes from internal corrosion of the
watermains and organic matter from the water source that can build up over time.

How does water system flushing work?

During the flushing process, water is forced though water pipes at high speed and discharged though hydrants. The fast-moving water scours and cleans the mains. We leave the hydrants open until the water runs clear. Unidirectional flushing methods are applied in some areas when certain streets are isolated during the flushing in order to allocate pressure and force sediments into desired discharge points.

How will I know when BIM is cleaning the water system in my neighbourhood?

An e-newsletter will be sent to all users who have signed up to receive alerts and updates for their water system. You can subscribe to receive alerts and updates here.

Please be aware that the flushing schedule may change without notice due to unforeseen emergencies or tasks requiring immediate attention. While all efforts are made to adhere to the communicated schedule, changes may still occur without notice.

What should I do if my water is discoloured after BIM has flushed the watermains?

Water is sometimes discoloured after flushing, but this should not last long. In the event you draw discoloured water into your home, flush a cold tap only for up to 15 minutes. Do not choose a tap that has a water filter connected to it, or the sediment may clog your filter. To avoid drawing discoloured water in to your hot water tank, refrain from using hot water until after your cold tap is running clear.

Can the water system be flushed over night?

Yes, to minimize the impact on residents and businesses, flushing can be scheduled to take place at night in some instances.

How much does the water I use to flush my taps cost me?

BIM advises customers that do experience discoloured water to flush a cold tap only for up to 15 minutes maximum. For the Cove Bay water users, 15 minutes of flushing a typical household faucet costs about 2 cents.

How long does it take to clean the water mains in each area?

The length of time varies but is typically about 15 minutes to 60 minutes to flush the water mains in each area.

Is water system cleaning a waste of water?

No, this is a normal and necessary part of maintaining a safe and reliable drinking water supply.

How will I be affected?

There may be a slight drop in pressure or noticeable discolouration of the water from the minerals and sediments that are being flushed out. Water service may be disrupted temporarily during the flushing process.

To clear your water:

  • BIM advises residents and businesses to flush a cold tap only for up to 15 minutes maximum. Do not choose a tap that has a water filter connected to it, or the sediment may clog your filter. Do not use a hot water tap because it could draw sediment into your hot water tank.
  • Catch some water in a light-coloured cup or container to see if it is clear. You can use your water if it is clear.
  • If the water coming from your tap doesn’t clear in 15 minutes, wait 30 minutes and try again.

Chlorine smell:

  • BIM adds only enough chlorine in the treatment process to keep the water safe for consumption. You can easily get rid of the chlorine taste and smell by filling an open container with water and keeping it in the fridge for drinking – much of the chlorine will leave the water overnight.

Questions? Contact Public Works at 604-947-4255 ext. 4 or email water@bimbc.ca.

Last Updated on 2025-10-30 at 02:22 PM