OKC Utilities issues winter weather guidelines to conserve water

When freezing weather hits, the Oklahoma City Utilities Department understands some customers may choose to drip their faucets as a preventative measure. For those who choose to do so, special care should be taken to prevent excessive water use and to protect our vital natural resource.

Indoors:

• The only faucets that should be dripping are those along exterior-facing walls.
• Water should only be turned on enough to allow for a small, steady drip or stream no wider than a pencil lead.
• Open cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate underneath and keep pipes warmer.
• If your house has a basement or crawl space, wrap any exposed water pipes to insulate them against freezing. This can also help prevent water waste by keeping water in the pipes warmer.

If you notice your pipes are frozen, use your home’s shut-off valve to shut off water to your home and allow the pipes to thaw.

If you experience a water line break, shut your water off to limit the amount of excess water flow, and call Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833 for assistance.

Outdoors:

• Remove garden hoses and cover outdoor water spigots with a foam insulator or other cover.
• Turn off your sprinkler system or set it to manual and make sure it is not scheduled to run while temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

As a reminder, Oklahoma City Municipal Code prohibits the release or discharge of water onto streets and sidewalks. Water sprayed or drifting onto streets and sidewalks during freezing temperatures causes hazardous conditions for pedestrians and drivers. Accidents and injuries caused by ice may result in liability to the customer or property owner.