By John McKinney / Park Rapids City Administrator
Last winter, 2013-14, due to extreme weather conditions many residents experienced frozen water service lines into their property.
The City of Park Rapids suggested city residents test their water temperature regularly and if necessary run a constant “pencil stream of water” to avoid their water pipes from freezing. Last year the City Council approved an emergency “Run Water Adjustment” Policy for those properties that were running water or helping a neighbor by running water and applied for such credit. At that time, the Council directed that the credit was to be based on the usage of the prior year’s (2013) actual usage. We also advised the residents/business owners to insulate their service lines prior to this winter to avoid a reoccurrence of line freezing.
As we stated last year, you may wish to test your water temperature regularly and if it reaches 40 degrees or below you may wish to consider running a constant pencil stream of water. But note the City Council has NOT approved a running water adjustment policy for the winter months of 2014-15. Therefore, if you should decide to run your water, you will be responsible for your entire water and sewer bill pursuant to the Park Rapids City Ordinance.
If the City Council approves such a “Run Water Adjustment Policy” for 2014-15, we will place such information in the Park Rapids Enterprise for your notification and convenience along with any instructions on how and where to apply, etc. A notification will not be sent to each of the residents/owners. Also, if a property owners request for credit is approved it is expected that, the City of Park Rapids will NOT be taking or making any special requests, changes or deviations from the approved adjustment policy, i.e. census issues, etc.
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Again, protection of water service lines are the responsibility of the property owner. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the water department for assistance.
