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Kalamazoo: Run Your Water, Frozen Pipes are a Problem

Posted at 5:28 PM, Feb 17, 2014
and last updated 2014-02-17 17:28:43-05
water pipes

file photo

KALAMAZOO, Mich (February 17, 2014) – The City of Kalamazoo Public Services Department has issued an advisory for residents to run their water to prevent them from freezing.

Utility crews have been dealing with an unusual number of calls for frozen water pipes in the last week because water services are freezing between the water main in the street and a customer’s home or business due to the depth of frost in the ground.

As of 10:00 a.m. Monday, The Kalamazoo Public Services Department had received a total of 119 calls for frozen water services in the last week.  Of those, 25 have been thawed, 2 were in the process of being thawed, and 16 customers had alternate water services provided from a nearby source.  Crews continue to work on the backlog of requests at this time.

Take Precaution:

Water customers in the City are urged to run their water at a wooden tooth pick size stream 24 hours a day in a utility tub or sink until April 1st.  The City says customers should still run their water even if there are a few warm days at anytime prior to April 1st.

Symptoms to look for when pipes or meter may be freezing:

  • Slight decrease in water pressure
  • Water becomes rusty or cloudy
  • Water is extremely cold (less than 35 degrees)
  • History of frozen water services

For more information and updates, visit Kalamazoocity.org, or contact the Public Service Dispatch water emergency line at 269-337-8148.