Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg is reminding residents to check their mailboxes today, as delivery of notices to properties at an increased risk of an interruption in water services due to the possibility of frozen pipes has been completed. All notices were delivered by early this afternoon, hours ahead of initial targeted completion, through the coordinated efforts of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) and other City departments and agencies.
Thawing activities continue, as do temporary hose line installations and delivery of water to those with frozen pipes. Citizens without water service who are able to attend to a Fire Paramedic 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
To date:
- 4,965 properties identified as being at an increased risk of the possibility of frozen pipes
- 868 properties on our list for thawing frozen water pipes
- 387 water deliveries by WFPS
- 173 City-installed temporary hose lines
Citizens who received a notice this weekend are being asked to start leaving one cold water tap running at a trickle (about the amount of a drinking straw) all the time. Those water pipes at risk of freezing will remain vulnerable over the next few months.
If property owners do not receive 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).
A total of 4,965 properties have now been identified as being at risk. There are currently 868 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.
City crews are working to thaw frozen water pipes as quickly as possible. Crews are working day and night, seven days a week. All available staff and equipment resources have been assigned to this effort.
The City is also offering 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.