REPORT A CONCERN

You can save yourself the hassle and cost of emergency repairs by taking a few simple steps to reduce the risk of burst pipes before freezing weather sets in: 

• Check that your water meter is insulated: Lift the small metal door on your water meter. If the thermal blanket is missing, call the Public Works Department. Please do not pull out your meter lid to check if it is insulated because you could accidently damage the wire connected to the meter box lid.
• Drain or blow out all irrigation systems.
• Remove hoses from outside faucets and install an insulated cover on faucets.
• Insulate or install heat tape on water pipes exposed to the cold.
• If you have installed heat tapes, check to be sure they are working.
• Make sure all foundation vents are closed or plugged.
• Secure basements against the cold. Fill drafty cracks and repair broken windows.
• Look for your main shut-off valve, usually located where the water pipe enters your house. Two typical valve styles are shown in the picture. If you do not have a main shut-off valve, install one in case of emergency.

For more information click on the Prevent Frozen Pipes link below.

The Water Distribution Division is responsible for the infrastructure that provides an uninterrupted supply of clean, safe drinking water for the citizens and businesses of the City of The Dalles. The Division also is responsible for maintaining adequate water volume and pressure for city-wide firefighting efforts.

The drinking water distribution system includes 3 deep wells (which normally provide about 10 - 15% of the City’s annual water supply), 5 storage reservoirs, 3 booster pumping stations, 100 miles of water mains, 16 separate service/pressure zones (incorporating 62 pressure reducing valves), more than 700 fire hydrants, about 5,065 water service connections and 5 ground water (dewatering) well systems. Operations, maintenance, monitoring and most upgrading projects are performed by the Water Distribution Division crew. The City’s Cross Connection Control (backflow prevention) program is also operated within this Division.

The drinking water distribution system includes 3 deep wells (which normally provide about 10 - 15% of the City’s annual water supply), 5 storage reservoirs, 3 booster pumping stations, 100 miles of water mains, 16 separate service/pressure zones (incorporating 62 pressure reducing valves), more than 700 fire hydrants, about 5,065 water service connections and 5 ground water (dewatering) well systems. Operations, maintenance, monitoring and most upgrading projects are performed by the Water Distribution Division crew. The City’s Cross Connection Control (backflow prevention) program is also operated within this Division.

Read Public Works Department Project Press Releases

Lea los comunicados de prensa del proyecto del Departamento de Obras Públicas

Like us on Facebook for timely Public Works Department alerts

Water Tips for Your Home & Business
Prevent Frozen Pipes 
Prevenir Tuberías Congeladas

Find it, Flag it, Fix it: A Checklist for Your Landscape  
Encuéntralo, Marcarlo, Arreglalo: Una Lista de Verificación para Su Paisaje

Water Conservation

Water Leak Information

Reopening for Business - Water Quality in Building Plumbing
City of The Dalles Guidance

Oregon Health Authority Guidance

Backflow Prevention Information for Customers
Keep Your Water Drinkable

Backflow Prevention Information for Testers
Backflow Prevention Assembly Installation Permit (No fee at this time)

For more information please contact Public Works.

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