Winnipeg MB - With warmer temperatures forecast over the coming days, the City of Winnipeg is reminding those property owners who have received a notice as being at an increased risk of an interruption in water services due to the possibility of frozen pipes to continually run a cold water tap until told by the City to stop. Those water pipes at risk of freezing will remain vulnerable over the next few months.
â�ÅDespite today's much welcomed warmer temperatures, we anticipate this situation continuing for several weeks,â�� said Deepak Joshi, Acting Chief Administrative Officer. â�ÅWe remain committed to coordinating all services, and all available staff and equipment have been assigned to this effort.â��
City crews are working to thaw frozen water pipes and install temporary hose lines as quickly as possible. Crews are working day and night, seven days a week.
To date:
| Number of properties identified as being at an increased risk of the possibility of frozen pipes | 4,965 |
| Number of frozen water pipe reports this winter (since November 2013) | 1,566 |
| Number of properties where water has been restored (e.g., thawing) | 639 |
| Number of properties on the list for City thawing service | 927 |
| Number of City-installed temporary hose lines | 217 |
| Number of properties without a water supply to their taps due to frozen pipes | 710 |
If property owners have not received a notice from the City of Winnipeg, it is important that they do not leave their water running due to operational risks that such an action could have on our water and sewer systems (e.g., sewer backup, basement flooding, sewage treatment plant upset.
Citizens without water service who are able to attend to a Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) station are encouraged to do so to re-fill water jugs. WFPS delivery efforts will be concentrated on vulnerable individuals and first-time delivery to properties. Water deliveries are being scheduled to ensure there is no interruption to emergency response services. For information on frozen water pipes and stations to attend for re-fills, please go to Winnipeg.ca/frozenpipes
A total of 4,965 properties have now been identified as being at risk. There are currently 927 properties on the list for City thawing frozen water pipes.
When citizens with frozen pipes call 311, Customer Service Representatives will ask callers about their potable water needs, provide locations of complimentary showers, and advise citizens regarding how to receive a temporary water supply installed from an adjacent property.
The City continues to offer free access to shower facilities at all 12 indoor pool locations as well as Fort Rouge Leisure Centre (625 Osborne Street) for those residents without water due to frozen water pipes. A list of locations and operating hours are posted on Winnipeg.ca/frozenpipes Citizens dealing with frozen pipes should simply identify themselves as such to pool staff at the front counter.
This winter there has been a sudden and dramatic increase in frozen water pipes due to prolonged periods of frigid temperatures and deeper-than-usual frost penetration into the ground. This is the second coldest winter in 75 years and frost has reached a depth of approximately seven feet.
All current information regarding City services relating to frozen water pipes can be found at Winnipeg.ca/frozenpipes