NTMWD urges customers to prepare for freezing, icy weather

Water District suggests outside faucets be protected, automatic sprinkler systems turned OFF

(December 4, 2013) Officials with the North Texas Municipal Water District urge homeowners and business water customers to prepare for freezing and icy weather forecast for North Texas.

To help prevent broken pipes and water leaks outside the home or business, NTMWD officials recommend customers cover all outside water spigots using common Styrofoam covers or other materials that will insulate the spigots during freezing temperatures. Before covering, outdoor water spigots should be inspected for leaks and repaired. Water district officials also recommend automatic sprinklers and other irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, be turned OFF at the control box.

“Protecting faucets and turning off sprinkler systems helps prevent damage to pipes caused by freezing weather,” said Jim Parks, Executive Director of NTMWD. “While many member and customer cities require freeze sensors on sprinkler systems, some systems may not have the freeze sensors and if scheduled watering occurs during freezing weather, dangerous icing to streets and sidewalks can result from misdirected sprinkler heads or overwatering,” Parks added.
While NTMWD customers can water their landscapes once every two (2) weeks under the current Stage 3 water restrictions, experts state that warm season grasses go dormant during winter months and little or no supplemental water is needed.

More information on water conservation can be found at wateriq.org and ntmwd.com.

  freezing weather, NTMWD, water restrictions