Sewers and aqueducts

Pointe-Claire’s sewer and water supply systems cover almost 200 kilometres. The City carries out maintenance work every year and also provides services to home-owners.

Flushing of water system

This annual maintenance operation removes the natural mineral sediments left by the water on the inside walls of pipes.

Flushing is generally performed from April 10 to July 30, between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., Sunday to Friday.


Recommendations

  • Avoid washing clothes or dishes between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
  • If your water is cloudy or coloured, let the cold water run until it is clear again.
  • If your clothing is stained by cloudy or coloured water, the City has an easy-to-use cleaning product available for pick-up at City Hall, 451 Saint-Jean Boulevard.

Turning water service on and off

The Public Works Department can turn your main water service entrance on or off when you are carrying out repairs or renovations. Except in an emergency, please give us at least 48 hours’ notice so that we can check the condition of your water service entrance before work starts.

Contact Public Works between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 514-630-1230. After these times, contact Public Security – Inspection at 514-630-1234.

2023 Cost

During regular hours
(8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Free
At all other times $330 (+ 15% administrative fee)

 

Backflow prevention valve

Under City by-laws, property owners are required to install a backflow prevention valve on the service line leading to the sewer to prevent basement flooding in the event of a storm or sanitary sewer backup.

Tips

  • Check the valve occasionally to make sure it is not blocked.
  • During heavy rain or snow melt, reduce your water use to prevent sewage from entering the drainage system through this valve.

 

Residential sewer clean-out

The sewer clean-out inside your home must be free of all obstructions and in good condition. The cap must not be covered with cement, rust, or any other material, and must be easy to manipulate. The sewer clean-out is usually located near the water meter and has a 45° angle so that a rigid rod can be inserted for unblocking.


Is your sewer connection blocked?

The Public Works Department provides a service for clearing blocked sewer connections.

Call Public Works between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 514-630-1230. After these hours, please contact Public Security – Inspection at 514-630-1234.


2023 Cost (if property owner is responsible)

During regular hours
(8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
 $680 (+ 15% administrative fee)
At all other times  $900 (+ 15% administrative fee)

 

Coloured drinking water

Drinking water can become coloured when naturally occurring minerals become detached from the interior walls of pipes because of changes in pressure or flow rate.

Generally speaking, drinking water becomes coloured when sluice valves in the water network system are manipulated, when work is done on pipes (flushing, repairs or replacements) or when fire hydrants are inspected.


Recommendations

Coloured drinking water should not be used until the cold water runs clear again; this is especially important when doing laundry or washing dishes.

The City of Montreal regularly analyzes water samples on Pointe-Claire’s territory to confirm that the results from the drinking water production plant are the same across the whole network.

The City of Montreal’s drinking water production plant clearly states that coloured water poses no health hazard.

Water sample results are accessible on the City of Montreal website.

 

Repair of a water main break

175 km of aqueduct pipes, 200 km of sanitary sewers, 200 km of storm sewers and 1,354 fire hydrants.

Winter and summer, the water supply team maintains the infrastructure of the aqueduct and sewer system and ensures that it is functioning smoothly. Discover all the operations required to repair a water main break.

Information

For more information, contact Public Works at 514-630-1230 or tp@pointe-claire.ca.