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Water
Frequently Asked Questions about Water When it comes to water, it’s important to stay informed. Here are a few answers to some of your most frequently asked questions. Click on a question to view its answer, or scroll through to read them all.
1. My water has always been fine, why do I have to pay for new pipes? The age of pipes varies across the city. While areas with older pipes are more prone to dirty water or breaks, these same pipes may be crucial to supplying water in your area, even if your pipes are newer. By reinvesting in the areas that need it most, we can increase the reliability of our total system and have the funds available to replace pipes in your area when necessary.
2. Is the water I am getting right now safe to drink? Absolutely. The Region of Waterloo supplies the water that Kitchener Utilities provides to you. The Region adheres to strict government regulations and tests the water frequently to ensure that they are meeting or exceeding the Ontario Drinking Water Standards. For more information on water testing, see the Region of Waterloo Water Quality Reports.
3. Will new pipes make my water taste better? Taste is a personal thing. Many customers are currently very happy with the taste of their water. If old pipes are affecting the taste of your water, then the new pipes should improve the taste for you. If you desire, you can use inexpensive charcoal filters to remove normal elements in the water to improve the taste.
4. How do you decide which pipes to replace first? Will the oldest pipes be replaced first? Our infrastructure replacement program looks at the condition of the water and sewer pipes, roads, curbs, and gutters to determine those areas in greatest need. Generally, the older sections will be replaced earlier, but newer sections could be in worse shape and have to be replaced first. The forecast of our replacement schedule is updated annually with projections ahead ten years. Each year there can be major adjustments if we find areas of rapid deterioration.
5. How long will my street be under construction? The length of time for construction depends on a number of factors, such as whether the road is undergoing full reconstruction, the weather conditions, how deep the pipes need to be placed, and the total length of road being rebuilt. Before construction starts, you will be advised of the estimated length of time that your roadway will be under construction.
6. How can I reduce my water bill? There are many ways to reduce your water consumption, both inside and out. These include having a low flow toilet and water saver shower heads, ensuring you set the water gauge on your laundry machine to match your level of laundry and using a rain bucket to capture rain water for use in your gardens.
7. What circumstances can reduce the lifespan of our city’s infrastructure? A number of factors can reduce the life of infrastructure including soil conditions, disruptions to the soil around pipes, material defects, and problems with the original installations.
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