Cold weather keeps AU crews busy: Heat loss, water main breaks among reported issues

Published 2:13 pm Thursday, January 31, 2019

Despite the cold temperatures Tuesday through Thursday, Austin Utilities crews were out answering calls from residents who were having issues with the weather wreaking havoc on their utilities.

According to a press release, most of the calls were concerning no heat. Gas Service crews continued to respond to calls for no heat through the evening and overnight hours. As of 6 a.m. Thursday, crews had responded to over 140 service calls during the 48-hour period.

Crews replaced 32 gas meters that were frozen due to cold weather, according to the release.

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Gas and Water Service crews also responded to three water main breaks on Wednesday on Third Avenue Southwest, 20th Street Northwest and First Avenue Northeast. Crews were able to repair all three main breaks by 10 p.m. Wednesday and get water back to customer homes.

As temperatures rise over the next few days there is a high risk of additional water main breaks. Rapid changes in ground temperature can cause shifting, which contributes to breaks.

Customers who see water bubbling up from the road should call and report the location to Austin Utilities at 507-433-8886.