When the temperatures plunge, the water mains and water pipes feel the heat. Over last weekend, with low temperatures in the single digits in Baltimore, reports of exterior water leaks and no water service spiked. On Monday, Feb. 16, the City reported 1,187 requests for “no water” and “exterior water leak” services, 20 times the average daily volume over the prior 30 days.

By mid-afternoon today, Feb. 18, more than 230 additional calls for these services had been reported. But things may get worse before they get better.

With a high of just 14 degrees predicted for Thursday, Feb. 19, water customers are urged to prepare now for what could be more disrupted water service ahead. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works has been providing simple hints for winter preparedness, including:

• Always keep on hand a three day supply of bottled water; one gallon per person per day.
• Let a thin stream of cold water run from a basement faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow, about the thickness of a pencil lead. This water can be caught in a bucket and used later as laundry or dish water.
• If your pipe is frozen, gently warm it with hot air from a blow dryer at the point where it enters your house.
• Be sure you know the location of the water shutoff valve in your home. Check it periodically to ensure it works properly.
• Be sure to shut off water to outside faucets.
• Periodically monitor your sump pump. A frozen drain pipe could result in a flooded basement.
• Insulate pipes in unheated parts of your house. Be especially alert if you have had frozen pipes in the past.

The Utility Maintenance Division of DPW’s Bureau of Water and Wastewater has gone to 12-hour shifts in order to provide round-the-clock coverage for main breaks. Workers in the Bureau’s Meter Shop have been temporarily assigned to investigate reports of customers without water. Contractors have been called in to provide quick assistance as necessary. But even this extended workforce has scrambled to keep up with the elements.

Customers in the City who find themselves without water should call 311 to report the outage. Customers in Baltimore County should call 410-396-5352 to report disrupted service. If the problem is a frozen or broken pipe on the customer’s property, it is up to the customer to call a plumber for assistance. Customers in the City may also consider buying a private water line protection plan, such as that offered at www.BaltimoreServiceRepairs.com.