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Freezing Weather and Power Outages: What Customers Should Know

January 22, 2026

When freezing temperatures and power outages roll in, it’s natural to have questions about your water service and how to protect your home. Taking a few simple steps now can help you stay prepared and reduce the risk of serious water damage.

First and foremost, locate your home’s main water shut off valve and emergency shut off valve. Knowing where these valves are before an emergency occurs can save valuable time and help limit damage if a pipe freezes or bursts.

Two utility workers clear snow beside an open water meter box near the curb.
Crews may need to access meter boxes during freezing weather.
  • Prevent meters from freezing and bursting by securing your water meter box lid.
  • Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages and basements.
  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, then cover exterior faucets with an insulated cover.
  • Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F if you are away to help prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Store emergency water in advance so you are prepared if service is disrupted.

What to Do During Winter Storms

Winter weather advisories are in place, with ice, snow, and freezing temperatures expected. Now is the time to take those extra protective steps that help prevent frozen pipes until conditions improve.

Keep indoor faucets dripping slowly during freezing conditions to keep water moving.

  • If power is available, use your home’s heat to help protect pipes.
  • Open cabinets under sinks along exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate.
  • Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
  • These steps can help reduce the chance of pipes freezing while temperatures remain low.

Do Power Outages Affect Water Service

Many customers ask: “Do I need to shut off my water when the power goes out?”

The short answer is, no, in most cases.

Eastside Utility’s water tanks supply water across the community using gravity, and the pumps that fill those tanks are backed by generators.

This means our customers:

  • Do not need to turn off their water at the meter simply because the power is out.
  • Our infrastructure is designed to keep water flowing during outages.
  • If power is out, our generators help maintain system pressure and flow.
  • Only consider shutting off water if your home’s water lines freeze or you have a leak and you cannot restore service safely.
Tip: Any time water flow is interrupted, turn off your water heater until service has been restored. This applies to both traditional tank water heaters and tankless water heaters.

How Much Emergency Water Should You Store

Water is an important part of emergency preparedness. While people can go weeks without food, they can only go a few days without water, which is why planning ahead matters.

  • A good rule of thumb is to store 1 gallon of water per person, per day:
  • About half a gallon for drinking
  • The remaining water for sanitation and food preparation

Don’t forget to plan for additional needs:

  • Pets: include extra water for your pets to drink and for sanitation
  • Pregnant women and newborns: you may need more water stored for drinking, sanitation, and baby formula preparation

Emergency Contact Information

If you are experiencing a water related emergency and need immediate assistance, call Eastside Utility District at (423) 892-2890 . After hours, the line rolls over to emergency service support.