DC Water and Sewer Authority

Know what to do in these situations:

	Freezing Pipes To keep pipes from freezing: Pipes should be wrapped in insulation made for water pipes before cold weather arrives. Allow water to drip slightly, if the weather is extremely cold. Turn off the main water valve, and drain water from all pipes, as a last resort.

Power Outage If you rely on an electric pump to get water from a well: Follow procedures to keep pipes from freezing, if the weather is extremely cold. If you need to drain the system, save water from the pipes and store it in clean, closed containers. (Do not drink water from the heating system.) Then, use stored water until the power comes back on.

	Contaminated Water Be sure to: Use your emergency water supplies. (If you run out, contact your water utility for instructions.) Avoid drinking from the tap until advised by the utility that it's safe to do so.

Repair Work On A Water Main If your water will be turned off, you usually will be: notified about the day and hours that water will not be available asked to turn off your water heater during those hours.