The City of Portage la Prairie is kicking off its annual water main flushing program later this month, aiming to improve water quality and maintain the city’s infrastructure.
The work begins the night of June 22 and will run through August 15, rotating through different areas of the city on a weekly basis. Flushing will take place overnight from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. to minimize disruptions.
What residents should expect
Karly Friesen, director of utility for the city, says the flushing is routine maintenance that helps remove buildup inside the pipes.
“The intent is to clear the mains of the iron and calcium scale that can develop in the lines over the course of the year,” notes Friesen. “We do this every year.”
While the water remains safe to use, residents may notice discolouration in the mornings following overnight flushing in their area.
“We do ask that you don't use your hot water until you've opened up your cold water taps to flush the lines,” adds Friesen. “Other than that, the water is still clean and still safe.”
The city reminds homeowners to run their cold taps until the water turns clear before using hot water.
Where and when it’s happening
Each week of the program will focus on a different part of the city. The full flushing schedule is available online, along with an interactive map allowing users to search by address or current location.
Week 1 (June 22–27) targets 15th Street NW between Saskatchewan Avenue W and McKay Avenue, moving west to 25th Street NW. The program continues across Portage neighbourhoods until mid-August, ending with the Mellenville and Old Bridge Road areas.
“Each week we have a different area of the city that we cover, so that will be in the schedule,” continues Friesen.
If residents experience issues beyond temporary discolouration, they’re encouraged to reach out.
“If they have any other issues or see any other problems, definitely reach out to the operations department and we’ll look into that for them,” remarks Friesen.
For questions or concerns, residents can contact the Department of Operations at 204-239-8346.
2025 Flushing Schedule
Week 1 – June 22 to June 27
15th Street NW between Saskatchewan Avenue W and McKay Avenue, moving westward to 25th Street NW
Week 2 – June 29 to July 4
15th Street NW to 8th Street NW between Saskatchewan and Fisher Avenues, and continuing from 9th Street SW westward to city limits between Crescent Road and Saskatchewan Avenue
Week 3 – July 6 to July 11
7th Street NW to 10th Street NE between Saskatchewan Avenue and Fisher Avenue
Week 4 – July 13 to July 18
8th Street SW to 9th Street SE between Saskatchewan Avenue and Crescent Road
Week 5 – July 20 to July 25
15th Street NW to Tupper Street NW (north side of tracks)
Week 6 – July 27 to August 1
Royal Road to Westco Drive (north side of tracks)
Week 7 – August 3 to August 8
Koko Platz and Island Park areas
Week 8 – August 10 to August 15
Mellenville and Old Bridge Road area
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