Water service disruptions possible for residents north of Oshawa

The water mains in Port Perry are set to be cleaned throughout May, resulting in service disruption for the town.

The Region of Durham hired IQ Environmental to clean the pipes between May 6 and 31. The process will go from street to street over the nearly four-week period. Residents will receive notice their street is set for cleaning 24 to 48 hours beforehand.

While the process is designed to “be carried out in an efficient manner with the least possible inconvenience to residents,” the Region still advised residents to have water on hand for drinking, cooking and cleaning.

All the work will be done between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. to minimize disruption. Residents can close the shut-off valve at the water meter to keep some water in the house. However, if they can’t shut valve, the Region warns it’s important for residents not to use any water during the cleaning process.

Even flushing toilets, using humidifiers or running a water softener during this time can draw a blockage into the house and clog pipes.

The Region says to once the work is finished, residents should run cold water only for five minutes before using hot water.