- Crews repair the break: Crews shut off the water for the affected section, dig, and fix the damaged pipe. The pipe is cleaned, disinfected and flushed to ensure safe water.
- The dig area is then backfilled and compacted
- Gravel or temporary asphalt is applied on the road/sidewalk until the site fully settles and is ready for a permanent repair
- Communication: If your property is affected by the dig site, we will update you on timelines and next steps. In the spring, you may notice city staff visiting the site to measure and photograph the damage.
- Restore the damaged area: We repair concrete first, then asphalt, and lastly sod
- Curbs and sidewalks: Broken sections are replaced with new concrete
- Roads: After settling and when weather allows, permanent asphalt is applied
- Driveways: Driveway aprons (within the city portion of the roadway) are restored
- Sod: You can let the city repair it or choose to repair it yourself and get reimbursed. Either way, you need to water the new sod to keep it healthy. The city is not responsible for sod that dies due to lack of water.
- Final steps: The city inspects all restored areas to ensure quality and safety
Water Main Breaks
A water main break near your property could disrupt water service until emergency repairs are completed. Alerts will be posted on the homepage as soon as possible. Learn how to report a water main break, what to do if you experience dissolved water, and how we repair sites after a break.
Report a water main break
Contact us if you suspect a water main break has occurred in your neighbourhood and municipal crews are not yet aware of it.
Signs to look for:
- Water pooling, bubbling, or flowing above ground
- Reduced water pressure in your home
Report a water main break to the Municipal Service Centre at 905-356-1355 (available 24/7).
If your property was affected by a recent water main break, or you have questions, email mwrequests@niagarafalls.ca or call the Municipal Service Centre.
What to do if you have discoloured water
After a water main break or maintenance work, you might notice your tap water looks a bit discoloured. This happens because the water supply was temporarily disrupted. Don't worry; it is normal, and you can usually fix this easily.
Learn more on our Drinking Water Quality page.
Why do watermains break?
- Old pipes: Some watermains are old and made from materials like cast iron, which weakens over time
- Winter weather: Breaks happen more often in winter months. Freezing and thawing of the ground causes the soil to shift, which puts stress on the pipes.
- Small leaks: Small leaks gradually wear away the soil around the pipe, potentially causing them to collapse
- Heavy traffic and construction: Vibrations from vehicles and construction equipment can weaken underground pipes
- Soil conditions: Certain soils, like clay or sand, can corrode pipes or shift, causing damage
Restoration after a water main break
When a water main breaks, the city repairs and restores the area to its original condition. Restoration timelines depend on weather and the number of sites on the city’s work list, which also includes curb stop repairs, hydrant repairs, and other maintenance tasks.
Contact Us
City of Niagara Falls
Municipal Works Department
3200 Stanley Avenue
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S4
Canada
905-356-1355
mwrequests@niagarafalls.ca