Last winter was a near-emergency for cities in the area, including Detroit Lakes, because of a deep frost line that caused frozen water service lines to homes and businesses.
So far, so good this year, because of a mild December, but city utility workers are keeping a wary eye on the situation, especially if prolonged subzero temperatures combine with lack of snowfall, said Scott Gilbertson, water/wastewater supervisor of Detroit Lakes public Utilities.
The frost line is now between three and four feet deep, about half what it was during the worst of the freeze-up problems last winter. Though Gilbertson said it varies widely from place to place.
“We’re going to start monitoring it,” he said Tuesday. “We’ve been getting calls from residents, especially some who had problems last year, wondering if they should keep water running.”
The best way to tell if your water line is in danger of freezing up is to get a thermometer and test the water temperature, he said.
If that temperature drops below 40 degrees, leave a cold water tap flowing, about the thickness of a pencil. If possible, find one that doesn’t run through a water softener, but that’s not always an option.
Water service line freeze-ups occurred in various locations around Detroit Lakes last winter, he said.
“It was really random,” he said. “It depended on where the actual water service was located, like under a driveway with no snow over it.”
Snow is a great insulator and helps protect buried water lines.
If the cold water coming out of the tap in your home or business feels especially cold, it’s worth checking the temperature, he said.
The best way is to let the cold water overflow a cup or bowl with a food thermometer in it for three or four minutes until its good and cold, then take a reading from the thermometer.
Thermometers are available to city residents at no cost and can be picked up at the Detroit Lakes city office, Gilbertson said.
“We went through 400 of them last year and we ordered another 400 for this year,” he said. “It’s a service we feel we should provide. We want people to be proactive.”
Anybody with questions or concerns can call city hall or check out Detroit Lakes Utilities on Facebook or the city website.
