As the thaw out begins following this ice storm in the Wichita area, many residents have experienced a loss of power, and heat, to their homes and businesses and as a result there may be a large number of frozen plumbing pipes and fixtures.
This unfortunately carries with it the possibility of major interior damage from flooding.
Customers are encouraged to be aware of this possibility. If damage has occurred, it may be necessary to shut off water service to the structure as rapidly as possible.
In the event that it is necessary to shut off water service, customers are reminded that one way of doing this is to shut off the master valve to the structure. This is generally located in the basement or the crawl space.
Service may also be shut off at the meter by accessing the meter located curbside and turning the valve to the service set.
"Your Wichita Water and Sewer Department is working diligently to handle these requests," said David Warren, Water & Sewer Department Director. "Currently, we are not having too many issues with this so our crews are now working with Park and Public Works on debris removal. But if needed, we have a plan in place ready to act if necessary," he said.
The Water and Sewer Department will have extra staff working in the coming days to handle the expected increased volume of calls related to these shut offs, but it cannot be guaranteed how soon the service shut off can be worked. Customers requesting service shut off at the meter should call 265-1300.
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