Frequently asked questions - City of Mount Pearl

Frequently asked questions:
Why is my water pressure so low?
Is pressure low throughout the entire house or is the problem isolated to a particular
fixture? If you and your neighbors have experienced a sudden loss of pressure
throughout the entire property please report a possible watermain break to Public Works
promptly. . If the problem is unique to a particular fixture there may be a plumbing
problem as simple as a clogged showerhead or faucet filter screen. Have you moved to
a new home and found the pressure generally low in the entire home? Please consult
your builder regarding potential adjustment to a pressure-reducing valve, which will
usually be located in your basement above your main shut-off valve. Do not adjust your
pressure regulator without consulting your builder first as you may void warranties by
doing so.
My water tastes like a swimming pool! Can you turn down the chlorine?
Chlorine concentrations maintained in the distribution piping supplying water to our
residents is controlled based on requirements of the Provincial Department of
Environment to ensure adequate chlorine concentration to maintain safe drinking water
to all customers. As a result, some customers living close to the treatment facility may
experience higher chlorine concentrations than customers living further from the
treatment plant as the concentration added must be sufficient to ensure adequate
chlorine at the furthest extremes of the distribution system.
Where is my sewer line?
Sewer lines typically run from the front of the house to the street. The City’s UTM crew
will provide tracing services to locate residential sewer lines.
Sewer laterals are the property owners responsibility.
Where is my water line?
Water lines typically run from the front of the house to the street. The City’s UTM crew
will provide tracing services to locate residential water lines.
Water laterals are the property owners responsibility.
My sewer's backed up--Help!
First make certain your line is clear to the outside service line. You may need a
plumber to confirm this. Once you know your line is clear, during the work day it is best
to call Engineering Services at (748-1016) after hours please call (748-1000)
Who can I talk to about questions on my water or sewer billing?
Call the City’ Corporate Services Department at 748-1039

Where does my water come from?
Water for the City of Mount Pearl Residents originates from Bay Bulls Big Pond.
Are any street, water or sewer projects planned for my street in the near future?
Contact Engineering Services at 748-1018. Staff can provide information on planned
improvements to the City’s infrastructure.
What should I do if the snow plow damages my curb stop?
Please contact Engineering Services to have the curb stop replaced. Damages other
than those incurred by the City’s snow clearing efforts are the responsibility of the
owner.
Water has backed up into my basement from the drains. Who should I contact?
Contact a plumber or drain cleaning company to check out the problem first. In rare
situations, the City’s sewer system may be the cause of the problem. For further
information, contact Engineering Services at 748-1016.
Where do I report a water main break or water service problem?
Contact Engineering Services at 748-1016 during business hours or 748.1000 for after
hours emergencies.
What is a Water Cross Connection?
A cross connection is a connection or an arrangement of piping which could allow
undesirable water, sewage or chemical solutions to enter your drinking (potable) water
system as a result of backflow. Call 748.1016 for further information.
Where do I call after hours for an emergency issue with my water?
Contact the City’s after hours Emergency Services at 748-1000.
Can I use a fire hydrant?
Fire hydrants can be used only after a set of strict criteria is met, please contact
Engineering Services at 748-1016 for further details. All hydrant users must provide an
approved and certified backflow prevention device. Hydrant usage sites are subject to
inspection and violators will be ticketed and fined. Any suspicious connections to a fire
hydrant should be reported to Engineering Services immediately.

Why is my water sometimes discoloured?
Water discolouration is usually caused by suspension of sediments due to high velocity
scouring of water mains, caused by water main breaks, fire fighting or water main
flushing. It can also be caused by pipe corrosion. If you are having trouble and your
neighbours are not, then your own pipes or water heater may need flushing.
Why does my drinking water sometimes look cloudy or white when it first comes
out of the faucet and then clears up?
Cloudy water (white water) is caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to
carbonation in soft drinks. After a few moments, the bubbles rise to the top and
evaporate and the cloudiness disappears.
Why does my water sometimes have an aftertaste?
An aftertaste in your water may come from several sources. Natural organic matter in
surface water reservoirs can sometimes produce a swampy or musty taste and odour
during the summer/fall months. Pipe corrosion can produce a metallic taste. Putting
water in a container and letting it sit in the fridge overnight will reduce or eliminate the
aftertaste.
Why do we flush pipes and fire hydrants?
Flushing of pipes and fire hydrants is required to maintain water quality. The scouring
effect of high velocity water helps to clean the interior of the pipes, flushing the
accumulated sediments out of the system, removing stale water, and restoring chlorine
residual. The City has an annual flushing program, which begins each spring.
Who do we call if we have concerns about the quality of our drinking water?
You can call the City of Mount Pearl Engineering Services at 748-1018 for any concerns
related to your drinking water.