Prevent Frozen Pipes

As temperatures begin to dip, remember that there are some very simple steps that you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter and causing costly damage to your home. 

• Keep a trickle of water running when you are not using your water to keep it moving through your home. This is particularly important for the faucets located near the perimeter walls.
• Make sure that heated air is circulating in areas where there are faucets. Open cabinet doors underneath sinks. 
• Disconnect your garden hoses, turn off water and drain the exterior lines and faucets for the season. Also, put faucet covers over outside faucets to protect them from extreme cold.
• Should a pipe in your home freeze, never use an open flame to defrost it. Use a heating pad or blow dryer instead. 

A little prevention can keep your home safe from water damage this winter. 

Olive Park 

Olive Park is managed by the Chicago Department of Water Management. It has an unparalleled view of Chicago's skyline and is a popular place to take engagement and wedding photos. It is open to the public and requires no special permit for small groups wishing to take photos. However, residents should be aware that there is no electricity, restrooms, or parking available. For any group wanting to bring equipment into the park, permission must be granted and a permit fee may be issued. For questions related to Olive Park, email WaterManagement@cityofchicago.org.  

Flushing Your Water System 

If your water service has been replaced or you have not used your water for six hours or more, it is important to flush your plumbing of any sediment, rust or metals, including any lead to maintain water quality.

Consumer Lead Testing Results and Requests  

Chicago Water Dashboard