Area utilities on COG’s Community Engagement Campaign (CEC) are raising awareness about the impacts of winter weather on our water resources and infrastructure. With a few simple actions, residents can protect their home’s pipes and prevent harmful runoff into our region’s streams, rivers, and reservoirs.

Protect Your Pipes

Throughout periods of extreme cold, area water utilities urge homeowners to prevent frozen pipes and meters by taking the following steps: 

• Set your thermostat above 55 degrees, especially if you will be away for an extended time.
• Turn on the faucet farthest away from your main valve to a small, steady trickle.
• Warm pipes in cupboards and vanities by opening the doors.
• Wrap pipes with insulation or even newspaper if they are exposed to cold air.
• Close off crawl spaces, seal drafty windows and doors, and insulate walls and attics to eliminate cold air sources near pipes.

If you suspect your meter might be frozen or that a pipe burst in your community/neighborhood, contact your local water utility. For more resources, visit: www.protectyourpipes.org/frozen-pipes

Be Salt Smart

Salts are an important tool for keeping area residents safe on sidewalks and roads, but they can run off hard surfaces into waterways. This can harm aquatic life and cause rising salt levels in drinking water, among other adverse impacts.

CEC members are reminding residents that it’s easy to be efficient and effective with salt use at home. Help the CEC spread the word on social media by using the hashtag #WinterSaltSmart.

MORE: 

Protect Your Pipes
Winter Salt Smart
Additional graphics with tips and resources