PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Following several days of extreme winter weather, Arkansans are seeing the true impact below-freezing temperatures can have, especially on pipes.
Pine Bluff's Cycle and Marine Supercenter are used to dealing with water vehicles, but right now, they are dealing with water lines.
While their pipes seem to be working, they have low water pressure.
People all over Jefferson County could see decreased water pressure because of leaking pipes and high demand.
Liberty Utilities has announced increased water demand, causing decreased water pressure in the Pine Bluff, White Hall, Woodson and Hensley systems. Additionally, the utility company said this could impact water service.
"Fortunately our plant is stable right now," Liberty Utilities Vice President Tony Penna said. "Our normal operating pressure is in the vicinity of 60 pounds. All of our plants are in the mid to high 50 PSI right now."
Though teams are monitoring the situation around the clock, Liberty Utilities asked for the public's help protecting the water system.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Run only full loads in the dishwasher or washer (avoid washing at all, if possible).
- Take quick showers about five minutes long, and avoid taking a bath.
- Be sure to turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
To keep pipes from freezing:
- Leave cabinet doors open to allow heat in, and leave faucets on a slight drip. Once temperatures are above freezing, turn off the faucets.
- Inspect pipes for signs of leaks. If damage is discovered, turn off the water at the main valve/shut off and call a plumber.
If a pipe freezes, they recommend you shut off the water immediately, but keep the faucet open. You can thaw pipes with a hair dryer or space heater until full pressure is restored.
Penna told us they have invested millions of dollars already into Jefferson County's infrastructure and plan to continue.
Penna said in the next five years, they will work on strengthening the pipes so they are less susceptible to breakage in extreme temperatures.
"We use the phrase harden the system," Penna said. "It makes it less susceptible to upsets."
If you have a water line leak or see a leak in the community, please call Liberty Utilities' emergency number immediately at 1-855-382-6511.