North Tahoe Public Utility District is reminding residents and homeowners to take precautions to make sure homes and water lines are prepared.

• For pipes that are known to freeze, insulate and heat tape them to be sure they don’t freeze. Leave them dripping as a last resort.
• Never completely shut the heat off when you are not at home.
• Leave cabinet doors open in places there are pipes to allow air to circulate.

All homeowners should have a water shut off valve installed in the home in order to completely shut off the water when not at home for any length of time. The shut off should also allow the water system to completely drain leaving no water in the pipes.

Make sure your water district has your most current contact phone number or email so you can reached in the event of a water emergency.

If you see water running out of a neighbor’s garage, down a driveway or anywhere else you don’t typically see running water, call your local water district.