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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Frigid temperatures lead to water woes around Ely

Water main breaks in Winton

Keith Vandervort
Posted 2/15/21

ELY – Sustained below-zero temperatures and low snow cover are contributing to frozen water lines and water main breaks this week.

The city of Winton reported Monday morning that the entire …

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Frigid temperatures lead to water woes around Ely

Water main breaks in Winton

Posted

ELY – Sustained below-zero temperatures and low snow cover are contributing to frozen water lines and water main breaks this week.

The city of Winton reported Monday morning that the entire village was without water due to a water main break.

Winton Mayor Kathy Brandau told residents Monday morning that the city did not have any water. “We have a water main break on Main Street near the Roadhouse, and we are addressing this immediately,” she said. “Will keep you posted throughout the day.”

The city of Ely issued a public notice over the weekend concerning water service freezing conditions.

“You may want to take precautions to minimize the chance of your water line freezing between the city water main and your home if you have experienced water service freeze ups in the past,” said Ely Clerk Treasurer Harold Langowski. “If your line is not well protected by soil depth or insulation and is susceptible to freezing, you may want to run water to prevent a freeze up.”

According to the Ely Utilities Commission, the generally accepted practice to help prevent water line freezing is to run a “pencil-size” stream of water from a faucet.

“The chance of freeze up will be gone when the ice is off the local lakes in the spring,” Langowski said.

As a service to the Ely Utilities Commission customers within the Ely city limits, the EUC will thaw private frozen water lines when time is available.  

The cost to the homeowner or business is as follows,

● The minimum charge is $100 (up to one hour).

● The charge for each additional hour or portion of any hour will be $100.

● EUC customers will be charged for all overtime for requests a thaw during other than normal working hours. There will be a minimum charge for two hours, at the overtime rate, for a call out.

“Signing of our liability release form is required from the property owner and tenant, if it is a rental property, prior to city of Ely personnel thawing the line,” Langowski said.

To schedule a water pipe thaw, call the utility billing office at 218-365-5900 during regular business hours Monday-Friday.  For after-hours emergency service call 1-800-890-8713.