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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -  The current streak of cold weather has prompted an advisory from Rochester Public Utilities.

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Spokesman Tony Benson says RPU “is starting to hear from customers that are concerned about their water service freezing this winter.”

RPU advises these water customers to take the temperature of their water and then continue monitoring it until the frost is out of the ground. This is especially important for customers that have experienced frozen water problems in the past.

RPU suggests running an inside cold water faucet and use a thermometer to check the stream (10-20 seconds) to see what the water temperature is. If the temperature drops below 35 degrees (F), RPU says “ you should immediately start running a continuous pencil-width stream of water from a faucet.”

The cost to run a constant pencil-width stream of water is approximately $60- $100 per month including sewer fees. RPU says thawing a frozen water service can cost $800- $1,500. RPU asks those who decide to run their water as a precaution to call 507-280-1500.

All businesses and residence types could be affected. The age of your home does not matter.

Service lines are typically buried six feet or more below the ground from the street to the house.

At last report, the frost depth in the Rochester area was measured at just over 3 feet (38 inches).

RPU issued similar advisories in 2014, 2015, and 2019.  The frost depth in 2014 reached 6 feet at one point.

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