HomeMy WebLinkAbout[09d] Water Freezeas of31412014 4:15 PM
St. Cloud
Sartell
Sauk Rapids
Waite Park
StJoseph
St Augusta
Frozen To Date
252
20
33
20
26
2
Currently Frozen
3
1
13
12
2
1
1 on well
# on Temp Service
1
6
1 on well
1
0
1 on temp
Water Bill Credit
No
Yesonly
No
Yes
No
No
shallow services
Water only /
Water only /
Water only /
Type of thawing
welder
V elder
V elder
Welder is last
Welder is as
Welder is as
allowed
resort
resort
resort
as of31412014 4:15 PM
as of31412014 4:15 PM
Boy— has this been a long and trying winter! I blame the groundhog.
While this winter is not the worst on record, it has had its moments. One of the recurring moments is
frozen water pipes. It seems like a day doesn't go by without city staff having to deal with this cold
weather issue.
Over the past weeks you may have read or heard stories on freezing water lines. There have been
several drinking water service lines freezing in the area cities, including St. Joseph. The best way to
prevent the service line from freezing is to keep the water moving or running. A pencil width is effective
to prevent freezing. The water line that runs from the City's main to the inside of the home is the home
owner's responsibility.
If your suspect your water line is frozen, contact the City Offices immediately, who will notify the Public
Works Department. The staff will provide a list of contractors who have successfully worked in the City,
but ultimately the choice of contractor is that of the resident. The city public works department staff
will work with the home owner and contractor to assure that access to the curb box, opening and
closing the water flow.
If your pipes have been frozen and unthawed, we recommend this pencil thin flow of water to prevent
the service from refreezing. The cost of running water is cheaper (approximately $ 2.00 - $ 2.50/ day),
than the hiring a contractor to thaw the service line. Thawing of pipes can cost between several
hundred up to a thousand dollars for some.
I understand running water is an additional financial burden for residents. To help offset the cost, the
sewer costs have been capped from the billing cycle in November and December. This cycle is typically
the lowest consumption month providing the maximum benefit.
Warmer weather is coming ... at least that's what the Farmer's Almanac says!
In the spring, the ground thaws from the top and bottom and the last frost to leave the ground is in the
middle. The average last frost was around April 5th at a depth of about 20 inches. Near Ottertail, MN
frost was measured at 95 inches, almost 8 feet, this year.
I encourage you to call the city or watch the city's website for updates on when it is safe to stop running
water.
Have a warm day!
Mayor Rick Schultz
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