Waterlines still freezing, despite warmer weather

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/04/2014 (4371 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The past week saw more than 100 properties added to the list of those reporting loss of water service because of frozen waterlines.

City hall said Friday 2,359 properties have reported frozen waterlines since November, an increase of 15 from the day before and 111 more than the previous Friday.

While the city has been successful in thawing some lines, it can’t keep up. There are 1,363 on the waiting list as of Friday, one less than the day before but 11 more than a week ago.

In the past week, the city was able to restore full service to 100 properties, bringing the number where waterlines have been thawed to 996.

The situation reflects the scenario city officials predicted in February: Even with warmer weather, the ground remains frozen and properties will be at risk of frozen lines until late May or early June.

The city has advised almost 9,000 property owners — those who have had service restored or those considered in an at-risk area — to run a cold-water tap 24/7 to avoid freezing lines, without any additional costs on their water bill.

Accounts will be adjusted once the threat of frozen lines has been passed.