CBJ Utility Asks Residents to Be Conservative in Frozen Pipe Prevention Measures

With record cold temperatures in Juneau, many residents are taking measures to prevent their pipes from freezing by continuously running water from their home taps. While this is an important precautionary measure, if not done correctly, it can have unintended consequences and even overtax the CBJ water supply. Accordingly, the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Utilities Division is asking residents to take another look at their cold weather tap water usage.

Here’s what to remember:

  • Just One.  Continuous tap water flow to just ONE indoor water tap on an exterior facing wall is enough to prevent water service lines from freezing.
  • Just a Trickle.  Limit the continuous water flow from that ONE tap to just a trickle. Sometimes described as “pencil lead-thin,” look for continuous water flow that is just slightly more than a drip. (See photo above and VIDEO here)

The CBJ Utilities Division appreciates the community’s collaboration during this extreme weather.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

December 19th, 2025|

How to Safely Defrost Frozen Pipes

With the cold setting in, CBJ Utilities division shares how to defrost any frozen pipes you might have. 

  1. Locate the frozen section
    • Check unheated areas: basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. The most likely frozen place is where your water line exits the ground to enter the home.
    • Look for pipes that are very cold to the touch or frosted.
  1. Open the faucet
    • Turn on both the hot and cold handles a small amount.
    • Running water helps melt ice and relieves pressure as the pipe thaws.
  1. Warm the pipe gradually

Use one of the following methods: 

    • Heat Tape: an electric tape made for keeping pipes warm. Available at most hardware stores.
    • Portable space heater: Keep at a safe distance and never leave unattended.
    • Open Cabinets: open cabinet doors to allow radiant heat from the home to reach the plumbing.

Never use open flames—no torches, no lighters, no blowtorches. These can cause fires, burst pipes, or carbon monoxide poisoning. 

  1. Keep warming until full water pressure returns

Be patient—slow and steady warming is safest. 

  1. Prevent future freezing
    • Let faucets drip during extreme cold, especially overnight.
    • Keep cabinet doors open to let warm air reach pipes.
    • Add insulation to exposed piping.
    • Seal drafts around windows, doors, and foundations.
  1. Know when to call a professional

If you can’t find the frozen spot, can’t restore water, or suspect a burst pipe, contact a licensed plumber immediately. CBJ is unable to thaw private lines. 

 

December 13th, 2025|

CBJ Offices in Marine View Closed December 9, Available Remotely 

City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) offices in the Marine View Building will be closed on Tuesday, December 9 due to a building water shutoff and plumbing repairs. CBJ staff will be available remotely.  

Impacted departments include CBJ’s Community Development Department, Permit Center, and Engineering and Public Works Department, all of which operate in leased space on the third and fourth floors of the Marine View Building. These departments will be available by phone or email on December 9, and inspections will continue as normal. 

For more information, contact the Community Development Department at (907) 586-0715. 

December 4th, 2025|

Sales Tax Exemptions for Non-Commercial, Residential CBJ Water & Sewer start December

City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Utility Billing is applying sales tax exemptions passed in the October 2025 municipal election to CBJ’s December 2025 utility billing period. Residential, non-commercial customers of CBJ water and wastewater will not be charged sales tax starting this December. Residential, non-commercial customers with a current senior sales tax exemption will also receive a 100% sales tax exemption. 

CBJ Utility Billing staff are clarifying which accounts are residential and non-commercial. Customers who believe their December billing is incorrect at time of receipt should contact CBJ Utility Billing by emailing [email protected]. 

Customers who believe they are incorrectly designated as commercial may need to apply for a sales tax exemption card to affirm residential and non-commercial status. Visit juneau.org/finance/sales-tax for more information about Proposition 2 implementation.  

For questions, contact CBJ Utility Billing at [email protected] or 1 (907) 586-0898. 

November 26th, 2025|

Mendenhall River Footbridge Reopened

CBJ Parks & Recreation is happy to announce that the Mendenhall River Footbridge has reopened as of October 16, 2025, after sustaining damage during the 2025 glacial lake outburst flood.

Parks Maintenance has completed repairs to ensure safe and secure crossings for the public. These fixes are temporary, and additional permanent repairs will be needed in the future to fully remedy flood damage.

For questions, please contact CBJ Parks & Recreation at (907) 586-5226.

October 17th, 2025|
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