Water & Wastewater FAQ

What methods of payment do you accept for utility bills?

We accept cash, cheque, debit and online payments for utility bills. For online payments, it must be done through your bank’s website. You will have to add the City of Portage la Prairie as a payee. When you search “Portage la Prairie”, there are usually three different account types: Taxes, Utilities, and General. Be sure to select Utilities, and you will be asked to enter your 14-digit utility account number.

What is a water main break?

Water mains generally exist beneath the roadway and supply potable water to the homes and buildings located next to the street through the water service.

What causes water main breaks?

Sudden fluctuation in temperature can cause water main breaks as the ground swells and contracts, putting pressure on the water pipes, potentially causing weaker pipes to break.

How can I tell if there is a water main break?

There may be water coming through the cracks in the pavement or your property may be flooding.

Who should I call to report a water main break?

To report surface water flowing down the street, immediately contact the City of Portage Operations Department at 204-239-8346 during business hours or 204-239-8340 after hours or weekends. An employee will attend to the break as soon as resources allow, determine the cause of the problem an initiate corrective action.

Will you notify me if you need to turn off the water immediately, to repair a water main in my area?

If the break is deemed an emergency, there may not be time to notify residents or businesses. The water must be contained as quickly as possible otherwise local flooding can occur. However, the waterworks crew will make their best attempt to notify homeowners or businesses if possible.

How can I find out if there is a water main repair in my area?

Information may be found on the City of Portage la Prairie website at www.city-plap.com, and the City of Portage la Prairie Facebook and Twitter pages.  Push notifications will also be sent out via our mobile app & Connect Portage.

How are water main breaks repaired?

For most water main breaks, excavations are required to find the source of the problem. Depending on the type of break that has occurred, the pipe/hubs may have to be cut out and replaced with new pipe. Repair clamps may be used as well.

How long does it take to repair a water main break?

Estimating repair time is hard because of many variables, including locating the leak, difficulty and location of the excavation, complication of the break.

Why has no one come to fix the water main yet?

If the break is deemed minor, priority will be given to more serious breaks based on the probability for damage or hardship.

Will I be notified of a planned water service interruption?

The City of Portage la Prairie Operations Department will notify all affected residents by a letter in the mailbox, and on the City of Portage la Prairie website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

How can I prepare when my water is turned off?

Before the water service interruption, residents may store extra water in the fridge, store containers of water for use to flush toilets.

Does the City of Portage la Prairie provide containers of water, bottled water, or funds to purchase bottled water?

The City of Portage la Prairie does not provide containers of water, bottled water or funds to purchase these items.

Will I notice anything different about my water after you repair water main break?

Water may be discoloured after a water main repair. Run the COLD water for a few minutes until discolouration disappears. Do not use hot water as it may draw pipe sediment into your hot water tank.

Is my water safe to drink after repair?

If the water supply has been shut off, the water supply will require quality testing to ensure it is safe to drink. The City of Portage la Prairie will have delivered a boil water advisory notice to your residence. Please follow the information on the notice for further instructions.

If my property is flooding, how can I protect my belongings?

If there is a floor drain in your basement, make sure it is not obstructed. Take whatever action you can to protect your property from further damage. Keep any damaged property or belongings available for inspection. Contact your insurance provider to ensure you are protected by your property insurance policy.

Who do I contact to determine where my water lines are in my yard?

You may contact the Operations Department at (204) 239-8346.

I live in the RM/City and don’t have City Water. How do I get it or who should I speak to?

If you live in the RM you should contact the RM office at 204-857-3821. If you live within City boundaries you should submit your request in writing to City Council.

I have a plugged sewer, what should I do?

Call a plumber immediately then contact the Operations Department at 204-239-8346 if you feel the plug originated from City property.

What causes a sewer back-up?

Most sewer back-ups occur due to a blockage in the service line or an overload of the system due to excess rain or run-off.

What is the service line?

The service line is the underground pipe that runs from your building to the City sewer main. The service line crosses both your property and the City boulevard to connect to the City sewer main. Cleaning of the service line is the responsibility of the property owner.

What is the City sewer main?

The City’s sewer main exists beneath the roadways, collecting waste from the service line and transporting waste to the City’s waste water treatment facility.

What can I do to help prevent the service line from plugging?

Be careful of what is placed in the sewer. Do not dispose of grease, facial tissue, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, stringy material, cigarette filters, prophylactics or other non-degradable products down the sewer.

What should I do to protect my property and belongings from a sewer back-up?

Have a plumbing contractor install a backwater valve in the sewer line in your basement.

What should I do in the event of a sewer back-up?

Please contact a private plumber. Any related expenses will be your responsibility. If the plumber determines the blockage is in the City’s sewer main, the plumber will contact the City to remove the blockage from the main.

What should I do to protect my property and belongings in the event of a sewer backup?

Do not flush or run any water until the sewer is cleaned and draining. Take whatever action you can to protect your property from further damage. Keep any damaged property or belongings available for inspection and take photos if possible.

What should I do if my pipes are frozen?

Contact a plumbing contractor to thaw the lines. If the contractor is unsuccessful in thawing the lines, contact the City of Portage Operations Department at (204) 239-8346 during business hours or (204) 239-8340 after hours or on weekends.

What causes the pipes to freeze?

There are several causes. One may be inadequate air flow where the piping is located in the home. Another reason is extended winter temperatures that cause the frost level to push further into the ground.

How does the City address frozen water pipes?

The City waterworks crew will look at all reported incidents and address them on a priority basis.

How long does it take to thaw water pipes?

Thaw time for water pipes can run between 1 hour to 12 hours.

Should I be running my water to prevent frozen pipes?

Do not run your water unless instructed to by City staff.  If instructed by City staff, leave a tap in your home open and run water at a constant drizzle – approximately the width of a pencil – to prevent lines from re-freezing, until further notice.