“Let-Run” Water Policies In Effect

UPDATE:  The Village of L’Anse is encouraging residents to run water about a pencil lead in width to keep pipes from freezing.  Residents are asked to contact the village office if they do so that an adjustment can be made on their bill.

The city of Houghton has begun contacting residents who are on their “let-run” list to avoid the freezing of pipes during this bitter cold snap.

Houghton City Manager Eric Waara says 150-170 people have been contacted and advised to leave a faucet to prevent freezing.

If you have been contacted by the city, or believe you should have been, you are encouraged to contact the Houghton water department.

To be on the list, you must have previously experienced an actual freeze up on your service line and been approved for a credit by the city.

Those residents on the list are allowed 700 cubic feet of water, which works out to be between 5,000 and 6,000 gallons.  And you must contact the city before you start letting your water run and let them know when you stop.

Hancock issued a “let-run” advisory earlier this week which allows qualified residents to run up to 11,000 gallons per month…which will not be charged on their water and sewer bill.  Any amount above that will, however, be charged.

To qualify in Hancock, you must have experienced an actual freeze up during the last three years. You must also sign a statement at Hancock City Hall that you have read and understand the policy.

In both cases, it is recommended that you turn on the faucet enough so that it runs at about ¼ gallon per minute.  That can easily be tested with an empty milk jug.  The jug should fill up in four minutes.