Frost levels drive deeper into the ground in spring

As the weather gets warmer out the frost levels drive deeper into the ground. The New York Mills utility department is recommending all of their customers monitor their water temperatures.

One indicator of an impending water service line freeze up is to check the temperature of the cold water, allow your water to run for 8-10 minutes, then check the temperature with a thermometer that will read to at least 32 degrees Fahrenheit.   

Normal water temperature should be around 45 degrees, if the temperature drops to 40 degrees or below, residents may have an impending freeze up and the frost may be getting close to the service line or basements or crawl spaces where plumbing is located and inadequately heated. The risk of frozen water lines could continue for several weeks.

To keep water lines from freezing, it is recommended that a faucet is opened to allow a “pencil width stream” of water to continually run until the water temperature is maintained above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, like mentioned above the risk of freeze up can continue for an extended period of time.

Individuals who are running water to prevent freeze-up are required to call the New York Mills City Office before doing so. Once a call is received, residents will be put on a list so the city can adjust a water bill accordingly due to the extra use.  When the threat of freeze-up is over and your water temperature stays above 40 degrees notify the City of NY Mills office so they can re-adjust the billing when use returns to normal. 

Failure to notify the city office of running water will result in a non-adjusted water bill.

To contact the City Office please call 385-2213 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

If water pipes do freeze call a local plumber immediately, they will be able to assist.