Recently, the streets of Beaconsfield are experiencing a buildup of visible rust. Brownish-red iron particles near water networks that were "flushed" are appearing on the surface of roads in district 2 of the City, as captured in the picture below.
Patrice Boileau, the Director General of the City of Beaconsfield, explains this current phenomenon is a result of the annual flushing of the water network that occurs on multiple occasions. He states that “[The flushing of water networks] improves regular water use [as it] removes iron particles attached to iron pipes, making it more efficient.”
“We will also continue to invest millions of dollars every year in improving our infrastructures [so the situation could be improved after] we do rehabilitation projects or pipe replacements,” further remarked Boileau.
In addition to the accumulation of rust on road surfaces, potential effects on the color of tap water and inconsistency in water pressure have also been outlined in a recent Beaconsfield notice. The City explains this is to be expected as the inner linings of water mains are being flushed and the rust will go away after a few rainfalls.
The Director General also affirms to citizens that there is no impact on road infrastructure and presents no risk to water quality in the City as the iron content has no harm to health. According to Statistics Canada, “there is no evidence to indicate that concentrations of iron commonly present in food or drinking water constitute any hazard to human health.” Therefore, leaving the tap running until the water appears clear is the recommended action by the City as the yellow, red and brownish hue is an apparent indication of the iron presence.
The City has explained the necessity and purpose of this unidirectional flushing program in a recent notice. The systematic removal of particles and deposits uses water pressure to ensure that the water supplied is always from previously flushed sections, with minimal disturbance to surrounding areas through an organized and strategic manipulation of hydrants and valves.
Contact the Public Works Department at the City of Beaconsfield at 514 428-4500 or through info@beaconsfield.ca for additional information.
