Schools in the Portland metro area are set to reopen after a week of snow and ice-related closures, but four elementary schools and one middle school will remain closed due to extensive water damage from burst pipes, possibly for another week.
Memphis Light, Gas and Water is urging customers to conserve water due to burst pipes causing low water pressure, with 27 mains repaired since Sunday. Commercial and industrial customers are asked to limit usage, and individuals are advised to avoid letting faucets drip unnecessarily and to conserve water when washing dishes or taking showers.
After an ice storm hit western Oregon, Portland, Beaverton, and Salem schools are dealing with storm damage including downed trees, burst pipes, and power outages. Schools like Lane Middle School and West Tualatin View Elementary are facing water damage and burst pipes, while others like Ridgewood and Raleigh Park have lost power. The districts are assessing the situation to determine which schools will remain closed or have delays, with some schools already confirmed to be closed due to water damage.
The Portland Water Bureau is responding to a high volume of water main breaks as temperatures rise above freezing, advising customers on steps to protect their pipes and property, including leaving cabinets open, keeping faucets dripping, and covering outdoor faucets. They also recommend knowing the location of the emergency water shut-off valve and storing emergency water. Residents experiencing a main break should immediately close the water shut-off valve and turn off the water heater, and can call a 24-hour emergency dispatch line for assistance. It's important to be aware of whose responsibility it is to repair a broken main, as it depends on the location, and resources for making the repair can be found on the City of Portland’s website.
Frigid temperatures in Western Washington have caused burst pipes, leading to flooding at Sea-Tac Airport, apartments, schools, and a sports bar. Seattle University student housing was flooded with brown water, forcing evacuations, while the Angry Beaver sports bar in Greenwood had to close indefinitely. The Seattle Fire Department responded to approximately 175 burst pipe calls since last Friday. Several schools were closed or delayed due to burst pipes, and experts recommend preventive measures such as covering exposed pipes and keeping taps running on cold days.
Denver Water issues an alert to prevent flooding as subzero temperatures approach, advising to keep pipes above freezing level, cover crawlspace vents, drain outside lines, and let faucets drip. Plumbing expert recommends extra insulation for copper pipes and suggests checking insurance coverage for burst pipe repairs, which can cost between $200 and $1,000. It's important to look for signs of pipe damage once temperatures rise.