The list of communities dealing with water line freeze ups continues to expand despite recent milder weather.
Wellington North reported on March 2 that residents of Arthur and Mount Forest, are experiencing a large number of frozen water services due to the current depth of frost and prolonged cold temperatures. All residents connected to the municipal drinking water system have been asked to let a tap in their house run. The township states the water flow should run “the size of your little finger” and be left running continuously until mid-April, when the ground starts to thaw. Wellington North states the cost of running a tap is minimal, when compared against the expense incurred by the municipality to thaw frozen water lines.
“In addition, to prevent frozen water services, please ensure that the inside temperature of your home is kept above 8°C,” states a press release from the township.
The water service from the property line to inside the house is the responsibility of the property owner. The township warns reduced water pressure could be an indication of water line freezing. Anyone noticing reduced pressure should run a tap full strength and call the water and sewer department.
Wellington North residents who suspect their service has frozen are asked to call 519-848-5327. Staff will use hot water and available equipment to safely thaw services. Some service repairs may require excavation at the curb stop or the water main to successfully thaw them.
“The water and sewer department is currently experiencing higher than normal service call volume, so please be patient with water and sewer team as they do their best to keep up. As a property owner, please ensure you do your due diligence to prevent further frozen services,” said.
Similar problems have have also been reported in Erin, Guelph-Eramosa, Minto and Centre Wellington.
To report problems with frozen water service in Minto call public works director Brian Hansen at 519-321-9485, email brian@town.minto.on.ca or the town at 519-338-2511.
Minto advised in a Feb. 26 press release that a number of service lines have frozen, due to the extended cold weather.
“Water service lines have continued to freeze as frost penetrates the ground,” town officials state.
The Town of Erin tweeted on March 3 that there is a “freezing water service emergency.” Erin’s website warns “We are currently experiencing an increased risk of interruption in water service due to freezing in the water pipes. If you notice your water is brown in colour, run the water until clear and please leave one of your cold water taps running at a trickle at all times.”
The town notes water pipes at risk of freezing will remain vulnerable for the next six-week period, weather dependent and states they will notify residents once the risk is over.
If you are currently experiencing a total water loss due to freezing call the Water Department weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at 519-855-4407 ext. 223 or after hours emergency number @ 519-830-8600.
Once the water is restored, please maintain a constant trickle until further notice.
The water department advises customers who feel their water pressure is dropping to open the tap further until flow increases.
In Centre Wellington the numbers to call are:
– 519-846-9691 ext.905: Monday – Thursday from 8am-4:30pm and Friday from 8am-11am; or
– 1-844-693-6221 after hours and on weekends and holidays.
Additional information on frozen water services is available on the Township’s website at centrewellington.ca under “Latest News.”
On Twitter, the Township of Guelph-Eramosa posted that “some households and businesses may be experiencing changes in water pressure due to plugging in water pipes from chunks of thawing ice.
“If you think that this could be the reason for water pressure changes at your home or business, you can try running a tap that does not have an aerator (ie. laundry tub or bathtub) at full strength for 30 to 45 minutes.
“If you are experiencing frozen pipes, please contact our Water and Wastewater Division at 519-856-9596 ext. 122.”
