FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 14, 2007
CONTACT: Tony Benson
Communications Coordinator
507-280-1534
tbenson@rpu.org

As Frost Line Lowers, RPU Warns Water Customers of Possible Frozen Water Services

ROCHESTER, MN— Even though the temperature has warmed considerably this week, the frost line has deepened and reaches five feet or more in some places. This means conditions are right for freezing of water services, or the pipes that bring water from the street main to a home or business.

Those customers who have experienced frozen water services in the past, or who know their service is susceptible to freezing, should begin monitoring the temperature and condition of their water.

Taking your water’s temperature and making sure it looks “healthy,” are simple ways to avoid a costly problem. If the water temperature reaches 35° Fahrenheit, or if water sporadically appears rusty, then the water service could be in danger of freezing.

To reduce the possibility of a water service giving in to the cold weather, let a tap or faucet flow continuously with the water stream about as wide as a pencil. This will allow about one-quarter gallon per minute to run through the pipes in a home, thus reducing the likelihood of a freeze-up of the water service. This step may also prevent the freezing of sewer services.

The cost of constantly running one-quarter gallon per minute is about $10.30 per month. Customers who turn on their water for this purpose should call RPU at 280-1500 to discuss the increased water usage.

Customers who live in mobile homes should consider an alternative to preventing frozen services, since a small stream of water may cause sewer pipes to freeze. Adding insulation to the water pipe may be a more effective solution.

Below- Pictures of an RPU water maintenance crew fixing a broken water main in southwest Rochester. Outside temperature recorded at the job site was 5° Fahrenheit.

About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 45,000 customers. Water customers number more than 34,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings.

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