With recent extreme cold, Sturgis Department of Public Services is asking residents to be aware of frozen water lines.
To help prevent water lines from freezing, city officials recommend that residents allow a slow stream of water, around the size of a pencil, to run continuously from a single faucet. That will not guarantee lines won’t freeze, but it is the best possible measure, according to DPS.
Residents should also watch for signs of frozen or freezing water service lines, including the following:
• Slight decrease in water pressure
• Water becoming rusty or cloudy
• Extremely cold water (less than 35 degrees)
Risk factors for frozen water lines include homes with a history of water service
freezing, homes with smaller water service lines (5/8-inch meters) and customers whose water service line travels under the street or driveway to the home or building. Such homes are at high risk for freezing pipes.
Residents can determine if water service lines run under the street by locating the nearest fire hydrant. If it is on the opposite side of the street from one’s home, the service line likely runs under the street.
If you suspect frozen water lines, contact Department of Public Services,
269-651-2879, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., or 269-467-4195 outside of business hours.
