***IMPORTANT***

Cottage Grove Water Utility

Asks Customers to Run Water

To Prevent Water Laterals from Freezing

Due to the unusual depth of frost this year, all Cottage Grove Water Utility customers are being asked to run their water full flow from a cold water faucet for five minutes, for five or six times per day. This request is to help prevent water pipes to homes and businesses from freezing. This procedure should be followed until the end of March 2014.  We will reevaluate the situation at that time.

A separate group of customers were contacted directly by Utility staff to run their cold water continuously until they are contacted by the Utility to stop. If you were not called, please run your water as described in the first paragraph.

Cold water faucets should be used because running hot water is not as effective and also wastes energy. Customers should also watch for discolored water or rusty water as this is an early indication of pipes freezing. If you see discolored water, run your cold water hard until the water clears.

Residents, who are leaving for an extended period of time, should make sure that their basement is warm. In addition, you may want to have someone come to your house regularly to run the cold water to make sure your lateral doesn’t freeze.

You may also notice a hydrant running in your neighborhood. This is also being done to prevent your water main from freezing.

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please call

Cottage Grove Water Utility at (608) 839-4704 or (608) 839-5813