(STURGIS) – Due to the extremely cold weather forecasted for the weekend and into next week, the City of Sturgis is asking residents to think about freezing water lines.

The Sturgis Department of Public Services is recommending that residents allow a slow stream of water around the size of a pencil to run continuously from a single faucet. This will not guarantee that water lines won't freeze, but it is the best possible measure.

Residents should also watch for symptoms of frozen or freezing water service lines. The symptoms include a slight decrease in water pressure; water becoming rusty or cloudy; and extremely cold water, which is less than 35 degrees.

Risk factors for frozen water lines include homes with a history of the water service freezing; homes with smaller water service lines (5/8” meters), and customers whose water service line travels under the street or driveway to the home or building. These homes are at a particularly high risk for freezing pipes.

Residents can determine if water service lines run under the street by locating the nearest fire hydrant to a home. If the nearest hydrant is on the opposite side of the street from your home, the service line likely runs under the street.

If you suspect frozen water lines, please contact the Sturgis Department of Public Services at 651-2879 between 7:30 AM and 4 PM; or 467-4195 after business hours.