As winter’s grip tightens and January temperatures fall, it is important to take proper precautions for your home’s water pipes. This is important because water expands as it freezes, putting pressure on the pipes, which can cause them to break.

An ongoing situation in Louisiana that has generated a lot of news coverage is introducing the term “saltwater intrusion” to many people. It also highlights the potential impact of more familiar challenges facing the water sector – climate change, drought and source water protection.

In geographic regions that rely on snowpack for their source water, like Denver, this is a very important issue. The National Weather Service calls the amount of water in snow the “snow ratio.” As a rule, 12 inches of snow can represent one inch of water in the Upper Midwest states.

Be assured that water utilities work hard to ensure the safety and delivery of water, especially during natural disasters and emergencies.