Utility company shares water information, tips

The Commercial emailed Liberty Utilities officials Friday morning to learn more about the low water pressure Pine Bluff is experiencing and the water production equipment breakdown.

The following answers, as well as additional information, were provided by the utility:

Has there been a water main break?

We have not had a water main break that we are aware of, but our crews are patrolling and actively looking for leaks or breaks. We will update customers if this information changes.

Are you shutting off water to customers?

No. We are experiencing reduced water pressure due to increased demand.

What caused this?

We have two separate issues going on. Extreme weather and prolonged bitter cold have created conditions that may lead to water line leaks or breaks, which increases water demand. Increased demand may also be caused by customers avoiding frozen or broken pipes by leaving their water flowing. Thursday, we began experiencing increased demand and reduced pressure in our water system serving Pine Bluff. We believe this was caused, in part, by customers attempting to keep their pipes from freezing and breaking. This is completely understandable, and we do not want customers to stop that activity. Remember when attempting to keep pipes from freezing, the water should be set to a trickle. Faucets do not have to be fully open. This could also be caused by broken water pipes at vacant or unoccupied homes or businesses. We’re asking customers to help us watch for water running along sidewalks and streets and report it to our emergency service line at 1-855-382-6511.

Separately, Thursday night, we experienced an equipment issue at one of our three water production plants serving Pine Bluff. This equipment issue is causing water pressure to drop even further. Crews immediately began repairs at the plant, worked through the night Thursday, and continue to work to fix the equipment. We expect the equipment to be repaired by Friday evening. The cause of the equipment issue is not known at this time.

What happens if the water pressure in Liberty’s water system continues to decrease?

It may be necessary to initiate a voluntary, precautionary boil advisory. A boil advisory is required when the pressure drops below a pre-defined point. If this occurs, there is potential that water infrastructure conditions could allow contaminants to enter the water distribution system. We have not issued a boil advisory at this time.

What’s being done to fix it?

Our crews are patrolling our system actively looking for water leaks or breaks. At our plant, our crews have been working around the clock to fix the equipment.

How long will it take to fix the problem?

We expect to complete the repairs at our plant later tonight (Friday). The bigger issue is finding any piping that has frozen and burst. Again, we ask the public to help us watch for broken pipes or water running along sidewalks and streets. Please report it to our emergency service line at 1-855382-6511.

Jefferson Regional hospital has had to go to extraordinary measures to keep their plant heated. What other big users are in the same situation and what are you telling them?

These two situations are impacting a number of homes and businesses, some of whom are experiencing very little water pressure. We are working as quickly as possible to fix the plant equipment. We are asking our customers to safely conserve water other than the efforts they may be making to keep their pipes from freezing. We truly thank them for these efforts to help us during this extreme weather event.

We are also working with local fire departments and community organizations who are graciously assisting us. Our teams are in communication with several of these customers, and we are working with them to do all we can to minimize the impact.

Is there a customer hot line for getting help?

Yes. We ask our customers to call our emergency service line at 855-382-6511 if they have questions, concerns, or wish to report a leak or break at vacant or unoccupied homes and businesses.

What can be done to make sure this doesn’t happen again?

This is a unique and hopefully rare situation. We have experienced extreme and unusual weather conditions and prolonged bitter cold across our service areas. This is impacting utilities across the Midwest. We know this has been challenging for our customers, and the extreme weather has made our response difficult. However, our crews will not stop until water operations in Pine Bluff return to normal. When we are through this emergency situation, we will evaluate our efforts and response and look for opportunities to improve. We have invested in the Liberty water system in Pine Bluff and will continue to do so to help ensure safe and reliable service.

Describe how leaving a faucet dripping has impacted this situation.

It’s causing increased demand, which in turn, is causing reduced pressure.

We have had cold weather before where people let water drip. Why is this event different?

First, we have had an unusually prolonged period of bitter cold that is impacting utilities across the region. While we believe that customers leaving their water flowing to prevent pipes from freezing is part of the reason for the increased demand and reduced pressure, we also believe there may be leaks and breaks across our system. Our crews are patrolling our system actively looking for water leaks or breaks.

It’s important to note, customers concerned about their water pipes breaking or freezing should continue to protect their water pipes by leaving cabinet doors open to allow for additional heat and a small amount of water dripping from the faucets.

Are customers being asked to conserve water?

Yes. We encourage our customers to conserve water where safely possible. Please note — customers concerned about their water pipes breaking or freezing should continue to protect their water pipes.

TIPS FOR WATER CONSERVATION & WATER PIPE PROTECTION

■ Only run full loads in the dishwasher or washing machine — postpone this activity if possible.

■ Take a brief, five-minute shower, which takes approximately 10 gallons of water, rather than a bath, which can take approximately 30 gallons of water.

■ Turn off water while brushing your teeth.

TIPS FOR PROTECTING PIPES FROM FREEZING

■ Inspect all pipes for signs of leaks. If damage is discovered, turn off your water at your main valve/shut-off and call a licensed plumber for assistance.

■ If a frozen pipe is exposed, consider using a hair dryer or space heater to thaw the blockage. Under no circumstances should you ever use an open flame.

■ Remember when attempting to keep pipes from freezing, the water should be set to a trickle. Faucets do not have to be fully open.