Commissioning of new Wellington water tower will increase water pressure

A planned increase of the water pressure in the Wellington Drinking Water System will take place April 29th as a result of connecting the new water tower on Belleville Street to the water distribution system.

During the commissioning period users will experience variations in water pressure.

A planned water pressure increase in the Wellington Drinking Water System is anticipated to take place gradually over a two-week period, tentatively beginning on Monday, April 29. An updated notice will be circulated on the municipality's website, social media channels, mailings and through local media outlets once the start-date has been confirmed. Visit the County website and sign up to receive municipal notices, PSAs and news release delivered directly to your email inbox.

This planned water pressure increase will impact all customers connected to the Wellington municipal drinking water system, including the private system, Wellington on the Lake. The elevation of homes or other buildings within the village in relation to the tower will determine the final water pressure at your home/building. Service connections at the lowest elevations in the drinking water system will have the highest water pressure when commissioning is complete.

During the two-week commissioning period, users can expect water pressure fluctuations. Once the commissioning period is completed and the new water tower is connected to the drinking water system, the water pressure increase will be permanent. The new, increased water pressure is within the typical operating range for municipal drinking water systems in Ontario.

Customers can expect to experience an increase in water pressure and the water flow rate (or volume) of water coming from their taps.

It is possible that the water pressure increase could result in leaks or breaks in the municipal underground infrastructure. The municipality will have resources on standby to address any repairs. If a repair is required, traffic will be directed around working crews. Vehicles and equipment may limit visibility and noise levels will be elevated for the duration of the repair(s). Motorists are asked to be cautious of any working crews.

The increase in water pressure may cause leaks or breaks in private plumbing in any home or building connected to the drinking water system. The municipality recommends that private property owners closely monitor their plumbing during the commissioning period. The condition of plumbing within a home/building is the private property owner's responsibility. Should you have any concerns with the condition of your private plumbing, please seek the advice of a licensed plumber before and after the planned pressure increase.

If you experience a private plumbing emergency that cannot be isolated by closing the main shut-off valve located at your water meter and you require the municipality to shut off the water supply to your home/building at the property line, please call the emergency line at 613-967-8777.

This work is not expected to impact water quality; however, residents may experience coloured water as a result of this work. The water remains safe to drink throughout the duration of this planned work. If coloured water is experienced, customers are encouraged to flush their water lines at the cold water tap nearest to the water meter once the work is complete.

The bulk water filling station located in Wellington will be out of service for the duration of the new water tower commissioning accordingly. Signs will be posted at the bulk water filling station advising customers. Registered users are asked to use the bulk water filling stations located in Picton on Macsteven Drive during this time.

The new water tower has been constructed at a higher elevation than the existing water tower on Oak Street. This will result in improved water pressures and larger water storage capacity within the municipal drinking water system. This work will provide greater security for treated water supply in Wellington. The new tower benefits the existing community in these ways and also supports new development.

The existing water tower on Oak Street will be disconnected from the water distribution system once the new water tower commissioning process has been successfully completed. Future plans for the Oak Street water tower have not yet been determined.

For more information, contact the County of Prince Edward at 613-476-2148 ext. 1023, 613-9629108 ext. 1023, or info@pecounty. on.ca.

PEC A water pressure increase in the Wellington Drinking Water System is anticipated to take place gradually over a two-week period, tentatively beginning on April 29 as the new water tower is connected to the system.