In spite of the warmer temperatures, the city of Waupaca’s trickle notice remains in effect.

A pencil wide stream of water should be run from one faucet in homes and businesses to prevent the freezing up of private water service lines.

The city will notify each water customer with a postcard once the citywide trickle notice has been rescinded.

The initial notice began on Feb. 13, and water needs to be left running constantly, even when the temperatures warm up during the day.

Warmer outdoor air temperatures may actually add to the depth of frost.

Utility bills are being adjusted to take into consideration the extra water and sewer usage.

Those who do not fully comply with the notice will be charged the cost of any needed thawing or repairing of their water laterals by city crews.

The city of Waupaca, along with many other Wisconsin communities, has been experiencing water and sanitary sewer lateral freeze ups throughout the city.

It has been 20 years since the city has experienced this severe of a winter, along with the associated utility problems.

Frozen water pipes and water damage can be expected if exposed areas are not properly insulated, private water and sewer laterals are too shallow or people are not careful about winter heating.