Winnipeg, MB - City of Winnipeg officials today advised that an additional 3,240 properties have been identified as being at an increased risk of an interruption in water service because of the possibility of frozen pipes. City staff are currently working to contact property owners by telephone, and uniformed members from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service will be hand-delivering notices to the current list of at-risk property owners.
“There is nothing Winnipeg does better than pulling together when our fellow citizens need help. I want to thank all Winnipeggers who have reached out to offer assistance to those who are without water,” said Mayor Katz. “Allowing the use of a temporary hose line, offering laundry facilities or offering to refill water jugs is helping during this difficult time.”
Citizens who receive 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 run their water to prevent the water pipe from freezing 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 806 properties that on the list for City thawing frozen water pipes.
“We are continually monitoring this unprecedented situation, and are utilizing all resources at our disposal,” said Deepak Joshi, Acting Chief Administrative Officer. “This is of paramount importance to us, and every action is being taken to restore frozen water service.”
For those who have already contacted the City to report frozen pipes, a team of City staff is phoning those citizens to inquire if potable water is required at their home or business. For those who require potable water, arrangements will be made with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service to have water delivered in reusable 20-litre (five-gallon) jugs. Upon delivery of water by WFPS, a Paramedic will determine if loss of water is causing any public health issues. If there is a health concern, the citizen will be referred for further follow-up, as per Fire Paramedic Service protocol. Water deliveries to those in need are being scheduled to ensure there is no interruption to emergency response services. So far there have been 162 water deliveries, with 199 pending for today.
The City has also assigned additional City staff to assist with contacting citizens who are waiting for temporary water hoses to be installed as well as facilitating the required paperwork from the supplying property (neighbours).
To better accommodate new cases of frozen pipes during the coming weeks, the City has implemented a streamlined process for assisting property owners. 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.
On Monday, March 3, 2014, the City of Winnipeg offered 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.