Huron-Kinloss residents advised of potential for frozen water pipes

Due to freezing temperatures and minimal ground cover, there is potential for frozen water pipes, states a notice from Huron-Kinloss Township. Running a slow trickle of cold water may prevent freezing by keeping the water moving.

The formal notice from the township urges homeowners to have their water service turned off and the lines drained prior to leaving for an extended period of time. Water operators will turn water services off/on at no charge. Call the office two to three days prior for this service.

Given the recent fiercely cold temperatures, running a continuous stream of cold water may help prevent freezing, states the township.

"The decision to start/stop running a continuous stream of cold water to help prevent the freezing of water service rests with the homeowner. If loss of water service occurs due to freezing, the cost to attempt to thaw the service will be at the homeowner’s expense. The homeowner shall be responsible to thaw the service line from the building to the municipal watermain.

"In the event the service line cannot be thawed by the homeowner, the township will supply and connect a temporary service supply line to the building of an adjacent homeowner, conditional upon approval by both parties. The temporary service line will remain in place until the frozen line is either thawed by the homeowner or thaws naturally.

"The township shall provide no financial reimbursement to any homeowner.

"While the township understands its commitment to service, and shall take every reasonable measure to provide an uninterrupted flow of water to the homeowner, it is understood the homeowner may experience an extended period of no water service."