Bulk water fill stations – Pilot project

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 (wastage)

Pilot project description

The pilot project involves installing and testing bulk fill stations at two of the current flusher hydrant locations:

• 951 Clyde Avenue – single fill station
• 4244 Rideau Valley Drive – dual fill station

Both updates provide additional space to assist with maneuvering larger vehicles and accessing bulk water

Shortly, station testing will be completed, and permit holder training will commence.

The pilot project will operate for approximately 12 months. Current estimated start date is  March 2025. Water haulers will be notified in advance of the launch.

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 bulk fill stations and their features.
• Improve our understanding of the benefits or drawbacks of each station to determine suitability for permit holders and the City.
• Evaluate 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.

As of February, 2025, the construction work is nearing completion.

Once the pilot stations are fully operational, the City or its contractor will provide water haulers with an update and instructions for station use.

Both bulk water fill stations are part of a 12-month pilot study which will help the City determine if additional bulk fill stations are required to replace existing flusher hydrants and the locations of those potential future bulk fill stations.

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 are 951 Clyde Avenue and 4244 Rideau Valley Drive.

The existing flusher hydrants at Clyde Avenue and Rideau Valley Drive will be accessible and may be utilized during the construction of the new filling stations.

Both stations are being constructed with improved turning movement access, greater accessibility, and will accommodate larger vehicles.

Project Timelines

Construction start: September / October 2024 

Station launch: March 2025

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.

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
Janet Wong
Program Manager, Linear Maintenance Support Services (A)
Water Linear and Customer Services
Infrastructure and Water Services Department Tel: 613-857-0941