CFPUA’s offices, including both customer service centers at 235 Government Center Drive and 305 Chestnut Street, will be closed Friday, January 21, due to the forecast winter storm in our area.
Customers may manage their accounts online at CFPUA.org/Online or via the Interactive Voice-Response system by calling 910-332-6550. Report water and sewer emergencies by calling 910-332-6565.
CFPUA is also reminding customers to take steps now to protect plumbing and irrigation systems, which can be damaged by a freeze.
The National Weather Service’s Wilmington office has issued an Ice Storm Warning for the area, in effect through Saturday morning. Freezing rain and ice accumulation is expected across New Hanover County overnight Thursday, January 20, through Saturday, January 22. Freezing temperatures also are forecast overnight Sunday, January 23. CFPUA encourages customers to monitor local weather forecasts, as the timing of the storm could change.
CFPUA recommends customers take the following steps ahead of the storm:
- To help prevent pipes from bursting, drain water from outdoor plumbing and wrap pipes, or allow a trickle of water to run through the system. In addition, temporarily turn off and drain irrigation systems.
- Customers concerned about indoor plumbing can drip faucets and open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes.
- If customers are trimming tree limbs and clearing yard debris ahead of the storm, be sure that debris is not left on top of your water meter box. In the event of a water emergency at your property, this will delay CFPUA crews’ ability to reach your meter.
- Freezing temperatures can also damage backflow preventers. All commercial business water customers and homes with irrigation systems have backflow preventers, which keep irrigation water from contaminating the public water supply.
- If you have a backflow preventer, protect it with a fiberglass cover. As an additional step, close the valves and drain water from the assembly. Just make a note to turn it back on in the spring.