Notice from the City of Chinook

The City of Chinook is recommending that residents start running a small stream of water, about the size of a pencil, to keep water service lines from freezing.

• During severely cold and long winters, frost depth can reach the depth of your service line. This typically occurs from November through March.

• In early spring, it may seem warmer, but frost is still deep in the ground and will remain until regular overnight temperatures above freezing are reached. During an extended cold winter, the frost can reach depths that put service lines at risk.

• If the ground surrounding the service lines becomes frozen, it will cool the already cold water in the pipes, and they can freeze. When the water stops moving, the temperature can lower quickly and freeze the water. Therefore, it is important to keep the water running as it keeps warmer water moving through the frost zone.

• Let cold water run from one faucet throughout the day and night. The amount of running water should be a little more than a trickle (the thickness of a pencil). The City cannot credit you for the water that you run, but the associated utility charges could be less than the cost to repair or thaw your water service line.

• If you choose to start running your water to keep the lines from freezing, please contact City Hall at 357-3160 and notify us.

Thank You!