Overview
Current program
The City of Ottawa’s Flusher Hydrant Program allows licensed, permit holders to access water from designated flusher hydrants for activities such as:
- Street cleaning
- Landscape irrigation
- Hydro excavation
Of the approximately 25,000 City fire hydrants, 29 are designated for this program, with 15 available year-round and 14 available seasonally (spring to fall).
The program is funded through annual permit fees and water rate charges and operates on a cost recovery basis.
The current program faces challenges including:
- Accuracy of reported water usage
- Risk of damage to hydrants
- Water loss (wasting)
Pilot project description
The pilot project involves installing and testing bulk fill stations at two of the current flusher hydrant locations:
- Clyde Avenue
- Rideau Valley Drive
The Rideau Valley Drive location will be equipped as a dual-fill station to improve wait times and improve traffic flow. The Clyde Avenue location will be a single-fill station. At both locations, improvements will include increased turning movement space and accessibility for larger vehicles to access the fill stations with less difficulty.
These sites will be updated to prepare for the installation of the bulk fill stations, including excavation work, installation of a concrete pad and utility connections. Once complete, station installation, testing, and permit holder training will commence.
The pilot project will operate for approximately 12 months, following the completion of site preparation and training. Current estimated start date is starting in November 2024. Industry users will be notified in advance.
During the pilot project, the City will be seeking input from water haulers and City staff to evaluate the success of the program and to gather feedback regarding existing flusher hydrant locations. Additionally, data from the bulk fill stations and City operations will be collected and analyzed to inform next steps.
Pilot project goals and objectives:
- Gain insights into the different bulk fill station models and features.
- Evaluate the effectiveness based on user feedback, operational costs, maintenance needs, and reduction in water loss.
- Confirm true costs and installation requirements to inform a comprehensive cost-benefit and options analysis.
The Flusher Hydrant Program, through the implementation of bulk fill stations, aims to improve accuracy of water usage reporting, and ensure a cost-effective and efficient City service. The pilot project will provide critical data and insights to inform future program enhancements and potential expansion.
Construction update
As of September 25, 2024, the City will begin construction work at the bulk fill station located at 951 Clyde Avenue.
The Clyde Avenue bulk fill station will be constructed directly across the street from the existing flusher hydrant, allowing use of the existing hydrant during construction. There may be increased congestion at during construction, so please plan any visits to 951 Clyde Avenue accordingly.
Construction is scheduled to be complete in late November 2024. Once the pilot station is fully operational, the City or its contractor will provide an update and instructions for station use.
The Rideau Valley Drive bulk fill station construction is scheduled to begin October 2024. Both bulk water fill stations are part of a 12-month pilot study which will help the City determine the locations of potential future bulk fill stations.
Construction project
Project description
Through this project, the City will install two bulk water filling stations near city yards as part of the bulk water fill stations pilot project. The locations will be prepared for the future use with construction of a concrete pad, connection to the watermain, and connection to hydro.
The locations are 951 Clyde Avenue and 4244 Rideau Valley Drive.
The existing hydrant at Clyde Avenue will still be accessible during the construction of the new filling station.
Both stations are being constructed with improved turning movement access, greater accessibility, and will accommodate larger vehicles.
Project Timelines
Construction start: September/October 2024
Construction completion: late November 2024
Accessibility
Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. The City makes every effort to provide access through and around construction sites. If you require a disability-related accommodation, please contact the project team listed below. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.
Safety
The City of Ottawa is committed to safety in and around project sites. The project team continues to work closely with the industry and to comply with recommendations provided by municipal, provincial and federal health officials, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Contacts
For any emergency outside normal working hours, please call the City at 3-1-1.
For general information on the pilot project, please contact the City’s Project Manager, Water Services.
For construction related questions or concerns, please contact the City’s Project Manager – Design and Construction.
City Project Manager, Water Linear Customer Service
Kendra Afelskie
Program Manager, Linear Maintenance Support Services
Water Linear and Customer Services
Infrastructure and Water Services Department
Tel: 613-857-3818
City Project Manager – Design & Construction
Daniel Brazeau
Senior Project Manager, Infrastructure Projects
Infrastructure and Water Services Department
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 22318