BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES POLICY 2024-01 ADOPTED FEBRUARY 27, 2024
FROZEN WATER SERVICE LINES
Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) is responsible for a frozen water main. Residential customers are responsible for waterlines from the curb stop to their residence. Commercial customers are responsible for waterlines from the main to their business. Property owners (residential and commercial) are responsible for hiring and paying a licensed plumber, or other firm, capable of safely thawing their service lines. Property owners will assume all risk and liabilities of using a line thawing service. If BPU is notified of a frozen water line, BPU staff will investigate the problem and determine if it’s the main or service line. Notifications received during regular working hours shall be responded to within that business day. Notifications received after working hours will be responded to the following working day, unless deemed an emergency for shut off. If the water meter is damaged due to the frozen water service, the customer will be billed per the fee schedule to replace the meter. BPU may require this payment before installing the meter. Customers are responsible for taking all the necessary precautions to avoid frozen water lines. These precautions can be found at www.bpu.org. The costs associated with this preventative measure will be incurred by the customer. If BPU determines it is necessary for the customer to run their water to avoid a water main freeze up, the customer’s water and wastewater charges will be adjusted to their average seasonal water consumption. BPU reserves the right to deviate from this policy at any time if deemed to be in the best interest of BPU and its customers based on safety and economic considerations. Any deviation and the reason for the deviation shall be documented in writing.
Dolly Matten Commission President
