General News
4 July, 2024
Tips to avoid meter freeze
With freezing mornings becoming more regular, Central Highlands Water (CHW) is advising residents to take action to prevent their water meters from freezing. Water meters can freeze overnight with cold temperatures and on frosty mornings —...
With freezing mornings becoming more regular, Central Highlands Water (CHW) is advising residents to take action to prevent their water meters from freezing.
Water meters can freeze overnight with cold temperatures and on frosty mornings — potentially leaving homes without water or in some instances, bursting the meter.
On June 19 when the day started at below zero degrees celsius, CHW received more than 800 calls from community members impacted by frost, with the affected area spanning from Maryborough to Carisbrook right across to Snake Valley and Ballan.
CHW’s managing director Jeff Haydon said there are a number of ways residents can reduce the risk of meters freezing.
“Throughout the winter months we recommend people cover their water meter with a plastic tub, bucket, towel or plastic meter cover to prevent it from freezing or bursting,” he said.
“If a meter does freeze, the most important thing to remember is to never pour hot water on it.
“The safest way to avoid damaging or bursting a meter is to let it defrost naturally. Pouring room temperature water on it, and wrapping it in a towel, can speed up the process however.”
It’s also possible for residents to grow small, soft shrubs around water meters to protect them from frost, as long as the plants don’t prevent access to the meter.
If you need to report a fault or outage to CHW, their free, 24-hour service can be contacted on 1800 061 514.