Drinking Water Treatment & Distribution

• Hydrant Maintenance

  Hydrants are an important component of the distribution system as they are an access point for many maintenance activities (watermain swabbing and flushing) and are used for fire protection. During summer months, you may see City staff or contractors: 

  • Operating hydrants to ensure they are properly functioning and completing any necessary repairs
  • Priming, repainting and numbering hydrants (a percentage of hydrants are done each year on a rotational schedule). The primer coat is a grey colour. Painting crews return shortly after to apply the final colour coat.
  • Replacing damaged or missing flexible marker (winter fire hydrant marker) to ensure the hydrant remain visible and accessible throughout the winter months. These markers stay on year round.

  Red vs Yellow Hydrants

  Hydrants in Barrie are yellow or red. Yellow hydrants are public (municipal) hydrants, found in front yards and all along streets; they are used for fire protection and maintenance of the drinking water system. Red hydrants are privately owned, not maintained by the City, and are the responsibility of the property owner where they reside.

  Please Help Keep Hydrants Clear

  During winter months, it is important to remove snow around hydrants so that they remain accessible in the event of a fire. Snow removal from public hydrants is performed by a contractor which primarily work throughout the evening and/or early morning hours.

  For property owners with a fire hydrant on their property: please be mindful. Hydrants should always be accessible in the event of a fire.

  • In the summer, ensure the hydrant is clear of shrubs and hedges
  • In the winter, hydrants should have a clearing of one metre (3 ft.) all around and there should be a clear path to the street to ensure firefighters can readily access them.
• Watermain Swabbing

  The City conducts watermain swabbing annually to clean watermains. This is the best way to maintain water quality and increase the reliability of Barrie's water distribution system, ensuring water meets and exceeds aesthetic quality objectives, and flows freely.

  The Process: Swabbing involves scouring the watermain with foam swabs and high-velocity water. These swabs are injected at a fire hydrant and pushed by water through the watermain, then removed further down the watermain through another hydrant. The hydrants are left open until the water runs clear.

  Notification of Watermain Swabbing

  Residences will then be notified in person or via a placard attached to their door knobs approximately two days before the planned swabbing activity.

  Businesses affected during the swabbing procedure will be visited in person by a representative of the Water Operations Branch before project commencement approximately two weeks prior to the planned swabbing activity. This visit is followed up with an email detailing the dates and times the business will be impacted.

  If you have received a notice, the City is advising that no water be used during the times specified on the notice. In addition, the City is suggesting that your shut off valve be turned “OFF” at your meter, to prevent any water from being used.

  Impacts to Nearby Residents

  Watermain swabbing occurs throughout the day, evening and weekend.

  • The procedure requires that water be turned off briefly to affected homes or businesses while the section of watermain is isolated and swabbed; customers are asked not to run water
  • Customers may experience some water discolouration for short durations following this maintenance

  Impacted residents are advised to refer to these guidelines once watermain swabbing is completed:

  • Turn on a cold water tap nearest to the water shut off valve and let the water run for a few minutes. 
  • Do not choose a tap that has a water filter connected to it, or the sediment may clog your filter. 
  • The water may be cloudy because air captured in the water forms tiny bubbles. These bubbles are harmless and will disappear if the water sits for a few minutes. If water is still discoloured after two to three hours, please call the Water Operations Branch at 705-792-7920.
  • Do not use a hot water tap because it could draw sediment into your hot water tank.
  • Collect some water in a light-coloured cup or container to see if it is clear. Proceed to use the water if it is clear. If the water doesn't clear in 5 minutes, wait 30 minutes and try again.
• Watermain Flushing

  Watermain flushing is a maintenance activity that is performed year round. It involves running water from two hydrants at the same time. By moving water at a higher-than-normal velocity, scouring occurs inside the watermain essentially cleaning it out.

  View the Annual Flushing Progress Map

  Typically, households should not experience water discolouration during watermain flushing, however this can sometimes occur. If you notice your water is discoloured, please run the cold water tap on your laundry tub or bath tub for approximately 5–10 minutes to clear any discolouration. If the water is still discoloured after this time, please contact Water Operations: 705-792-7920 or WaterOperations@barrie.ca. After-hours, please call 705-726-4242 and press zero for assistance; appropriate on-call staff may assist you. 

Prevent Backflow at Home

• How to Prevent Backflow at Home

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  Do:

  • Keep your hose ends clear of possible contaminants. 
  • Install hose connection vacuum breakers on threaded faucets and hose connections at home. These devices are inexpensive, easily installed, and available at hardware stores! 
  • Install an approved backflow prevention device on above-ground lawn irrigation systems. 

  Don't: 

  • Submerge hoses in buckets, pools, tubs, sinks, or ponds. 
  • Use a hose to unplug a blocked drain. 
  • Use chemical spray attachments without a backflow prevention device. 
  • Directly connect waste pipes from water softeners to the sewer or submerged drainpipes. 

Bulk Water Requests

• Pool Fill

  Barrie residents and business owners have three options to have your pool filled with water:

  • Use your own service, garden hose. This method will take several days to complete the fill and will impact your water bill.
  • Book an appointment with Water Operations staff (705-792-7920). Staff will open and attend the hydrant closest to your pool. You provide the necessary 2.5” hose and attendance at the pool.
  • Your pool contractor or maintenance team can also contact the Water Operations Branch (705-792-7920) on your behalf. Staff will open and attend the hydrant closest to the pool; the contractor will provide the hose, connection, attendance at the pool, and any traffic control measures required ie: hoses crossing streets and sidewalks.

  Note: For a newly installed pool, there must be proof of the Building Department’s completed pool inspection on the premise.  This proof must be in the form of a “Permit to Fill.” Please call Building Services (705-739-4212) for information.

• Option for Contractors: Bulk Water Filling Station

  The City has an automated bulk water filling station located at 165 Ferndale Drive North, Barrie. Contractors can fill water trucks using the automated station between the hours of 7am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. To obtain access to this station please call Water Operations at 705-792-7920. You will be asked to provide:

  • company name
  • company address
  • contact name and phone number

  With this information, a profile will be created for your company and access granted by way of a key code.

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• Option for Contractors: Hydrant Metered Gate Valve 

  A hydrant metered gate valve may be installed on a hydrant of your choice (within reason for safety and traffic flows) to provide a contractor access to water 24/7. To obtain a hydrant metered gate valve, please visit our office at 20 Royal Parkside Drive. Here you will:

  • Sign the Terms of Agreement: Hydrant Extended Use Permit & if applicable, the Terms of Agreement: Cold Weather Hydrant Extended Use Permit (required during cold weather)
  • Obtain a key
  • Make an appointment for the installation
  • Pay a deposit for the device

  Please have with you the number of the hydrant that you wish to have the device attached to.

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• Option for Contractors: Temporary Metered Device

  A temporary metered device may be installed on a water service of a construction project to provide water for many processes such as concrete work. To obtain a temporary water supply please have the assigned visit our offices at 20 Royal Parkside Drive. Here you will:

  • Sign the Terms of Agreement: Temporary Water Supply Permit
  • Make an appointment for the installation
  • Pay a deposit for the device

  Please have with you the civic address of the construction site you wish to have the device installed in.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the drinking water source impact water hardness?

  Yes, the source water impacts hardness levels. 

  Essentially, areas serviced by the ground water system can expect to see a higher mineral content (hardness) with the range typically being 13–20 grains per gallon, while in the areas serviced by surface water an average hardness of 3–8 grains per gallon can be expected. (The “grains per gallon” value is generally used by softener manufacturers and installers and is referenced within the instruction manuals for softeners.) 

  The reason for the increased hardness is due to the fact that ground water (in deep aquifers) has accumulated there over extremely long periods of time after filtering through layer upon layer of sand, soil, clay and rock, picking up various minerals like iron, calcium, manganese, etc.

  For both drinking water sources, the water provided is of the highest quality and meets or exceeds the regulatory requirements imposed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

• Is Fluoride added into Barrie's drinking water?

  No, Fluoride is not added to the water, however, small amounts can be naturally occurring.

• Why is my tap water pressure low?

  Low water pressure can be caused by multiple factors including the following: 

  • Water service pipe material and natural mineral build up 
  • Water softener issues 
  • Filtration devices 
  • Internal shut off valve not fully in the “ON” position
  • Curb box not open 100% 
  • Dirty aerators (faucet screens) that need cleaning 
• My tap water is discoloured. What should I do?

  This can be due to construction or maintenance work in the area, in home softening and filtration equipment, recent operation of in-home valves or plumbing work.  If you notice your water is discoloured, please run the cold water tap on your laundry tub or bath tub for approximately 5–10 minutes to clear any discolouration. If the water is still discoloured after this time, please contact Water Operations: 705-792-7920 or WaterOperations@barrie.ca. 

• Why does my tap water and/or sink smell?

  Odor can be caused by faucet aerators that need cleaning, sink p-trap issues, and in home softening and filtration equipment. 

• Why is my water bill higher than normal?

  High water bills can be a result of leaks or malfunctioning equipment in the home such as:

  • Irrigation systems
  • Toilets, faucets 
  • Water softeners & filtration devices
  • Trap seal primers
  • Humidifiers
  • Outdoor taps

• What should I do if water is leaking by the shut off valve on my water pipes?

  Every household in Barrie is equipped with an internal shut-off valve. This valve belongs to the homeowner, but the City can repair or replace the valve for a fee (per the Fees By-law, Schedule N). Please contact the Water Operations Branch at (705) 792-7920 or WaterOperations@barrie.ca for information and to book an appointment.

• What do I do if my water meter is leaking?

  If your water meter is leaking, please contact the Water Operations Branch at (705) 792-7920 or WaterOperations@barrie.ca for information and to book an appointment.

• I need my water turned off to have work completed. Who do I contact?

  If you need water turned off at the main City of Barrie water supply, please contact the Water Operations Branch at (705) 792-7920 or WaterOperations@barrie.ca for information and to book an appointment.

  The City will turn water off at the curb stop for work to be completed at a property at the request of the homeowner or contractor for a fee (per the Fees By-law, Schedule N). If work is completed within an hour, one fee applies. If water operator needs to return to a property later in the day or on another day a second fee will apply.

• My curb box cap is missing or raised in my driveway and needs to be fixed. Who do I contact?

  If your curb box cap is missing, or raised in your driveway or in the boulevard, please contact the Water Operations Branch at (705) 792-7920 or WaterOperations@barrie.ca for information and to have your name placed on the repair list.

• What can I do if I see water bubbling out of the ground on my property or pooling on the road?

  Please contact the Water Operations Branch at (705) 792-7920 or WaterOperations@barrie.ca to report water bubbling out of the ground around your property, or if you see water bubbling or pooling on the roadway. A water operator will attend the location to investigate.

• How do I get a locate completed?

  All locates are to be requested through Ontario One Call’s web portal or by 
  calling 1-800-400-2255. Please note: Water is marked up to the property line on City of Barrie property. We do not locate on private property.
   

• How do I book a fire flow test?

  Fire flow tests can be scheduled by contacting the Water Operations Branch at (705) 792-​7920 or WaterOperations@barrie.ca.