All RPU customers urged to monitor the temperature of their water
Nearly 70 frozen water services have been reported to RPU this winter. In an average year two or three frozen water services would be reported.
Every RPU water customers is urged to take the temperature of their water and then continue monitoring it for the next two months. If your water temperature gets below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you should immediately start running a continuous pencil-width stream of water from a faucet. A limited amount of thermometers are available at the RPU service center to use during this time.
The frost level has been measured by RPU crews as deep as six feet below the ground level, which is much deeper than recorded levels over the past 20-30 years. If more water services freeze, customers could be without water for two to three days before a repair can be made due to many plumbing contractors being overwhelmed with calls. A frozen water service repair can cost between $800- $1,000. The cost to run a constant pencil-width stream of water is approximately $40- $60 per month including sewer fees. If you are going to be letting your water run, please contact RPU at 507.280.1500.
All businesses and residence types could be affected. The age of your home does not matter.
For more information, please contact Tony Benson at 507-280-1534 or email at tbenson@rpu.org.
About Rochester Public Utilities
As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 50,000 customers. Water customers number more than 37,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings.
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