Emergencies: Water
There is water gushing out on the street, what is happening?
A watermain or waterpipe has probably broken on your street. Please call us immediately at 546-1181.
My water is brown, what do I do?
If your water is discoloured, please flush your pipes as follows:
- Turn on the cold water tap that is closest to your water meter.
- Let it run until the water turns clear. This may take 5-25 minutes.
Please keep in mind that discoloured water is still safe water. Sedimentation (usually iron deposits in the metal pipes ) occurs as a normal part of the water distribution system. Activities such as inspecting fire hydrants, operating and maintaining valves, preventative maintenance and water main breaks may disturb these sediments, which can discolour the water. If you have any questions, please contact a Customer Service Representative at 613-546-0000.
Should I call my insurance company if my property is flooded?
Yes. Many insurance policies cover cleanup and the cost of repairing or replacing water-damaged property. Your agent can provide full details.
Should I notify Utilities Kingston about my damages?
Utilities Kingston manages water and sewer services on behalf of the City of Kingston. Inquires regarding property damage should be directed to the Corporation of the City of Kingston. Follow the procedures outlined above for property damage claim inquiries.
Who do I call if I have questions about my drinking water?
Utilities Kingston values the input received from our customers. Comments or questions about the City's drinking water are always welcome. Please call our Water Quality Assurance Operators at 389-0562. You can view our
Quarterly Drinking Water Reports online.
Should I call my insurance company if I have a sewer backup?
Yes. Many insurance policies cover sewage backup cleanup and the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property. Your agent can provide full details. The City urges you to check with your home insurer regarding the availability of sewer backup insurance coverage.
What is a City watermain?
Watermains run underneath the roadway and supply freshwater to the private services connected to it.
What is a private service?
Private service refers to the pipe that brings water from the watermain to your building. The maintenance of the private service is the property owner's responsibility
It’s freezing out and I don’t have any water. What should I do?
You could have a problem with frozen plumbing.
The water mains that distribute water throughout the city and the service line that brings water to your home are well insulated underground and don’t typically freeze. However, exposed plumbing pipes in exterior walls of your home, unheated basements and crawlspaces may be at risk of freezing.
Touch any exposed cold water pipes, such as the ones in your basement or under your kitchen sink. If a spot feels unusually cold to the touch, take measures to warm it up, for example you can insulate pipes and external walls or open cupboard doors to improve warm air flow.
If you have a frozen internal plumbing pipe, try using a hair dryer to thaw it. (Safety first: never leave a heating device unattended and be careful not to weaken plumbing joints.)
Residents are reminded to call a licensed plumber to deal with internal plumbing issues, but Utilities Kingston employees are always happy to assist with customer questions.
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