Commissioner Election to be held December 10, 2019 

June 5, 2019 Presentation by the  Port Washington Water District.

Please take notice that the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday April 17, 2019 has been cancelled.

Board of Commissioners
Port Washington Water District

Paul J. Granger, P.E.
Superintendent

Dated: April 11, 2019

Cold weather and heavy snow can certainly effect your home or business. Extreme weather conditions may lead to pipes freezing and eventually bursting.  Here are a few winterizing tips that you can apply during the winter season to help avoid devastating damages:

1. Identify the pipes that will be most affected or most vulnerable to freezing…inside and outside of your home or business. Pipes in unheated areas in your home or business can become problems in cold weather. Insulate all water pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and subsequent thawing and bursting.  Foam insulation works well. This insulation can also reduce the amount of water that must be run before hot water is discharged from faucet or showers.
2. If you see a leak, don’t hesitate to fix it.  If you cannot fix the leak yourself, call a professional plumber to remedy the problem before it becomes a major expense.
3. To further safeguard pipes, especially in uninsulated areas, open any cabinet doors under sinks, particularly those located on outside walls. This allows the warmer room air to help prevent freezing.
4. Disconnect and drain all outside hoses to prevent freezing.  Outdoor hoses should be stored where they will not freeze to prevent cracking.  Replacing hoses can be expensive!
5. Turn off the water that leads to the spigots outside your house.  Drain the lines and leave the spigots open during the winter.
6. Foam insulation covers are available for outside spigots.  They are inexpensive and can be extremely helpful.
7. Shut down and thoroughly drain all lawn irrigation systems. Check meter pit covers to assure that they are securely bolted down and intact.  If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, call in a professional.
8. Attention snowbirds! If you are snow birding to warmer climates, or going away for a lengthy time during the winter, consider shutting off your water pump and water heater.

As many residents may already be aware from previous community meetings and communications, Port Washington Water District successfully replaced the Beacon Hill water tower in November 2018. The previous water tower reached the end of its useful life and a full tank replacement was determined to be the best and most cost-effective option for the community. The tank replacement project will safeguard the continued health, safety and sustainability of the District’s water supply and distribution system.

Water tanks designed today are more resilient, easier to maintain and better equipped to optimize water pressure during times of peak demand and fire emergencies.

The Board of Commissioners appreciates the cooperation and understanding of the community.