The Region of Durham has contracted IQ Environmental to clean the watermains in Sunderland as part of its regular water supply system maintenance program.
The work will take place between September 8 and 19. Residents will receive a hand-delivered notice 24 to 48 hours before cleaning begins on their street.
According to Durham, the work will be performed overnight, between 10 pm and 5 am, to minimize disruptions. Residents are advised to keep a supply of water on hand for drinking, cooking and general use during this time.
Durham recommends that homeowners close the shut-off valve at the water meter while cleaning is underway. If that is not possible, residents should avoid using any water, including flushing toilets, running furnace-mounted humidifiers, or backwashing water softeners, as doing so could draw material into household plumbing and cause blockages.
Once the cleaning operation is complete, residents are asked to run a cold water tap for about five minutes before using hot water.