Utilities – Page 2 – City and Borough of Juneau

Help Keep Juneau Safe, Clear Fire Hydrants and Storm Drains of Snow

After a record-breaking snowfall this weekend and an upcoming forecast of rain, City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) crews are working overtime to ensure the safety of Juneau residents. CBJ is asking for help from Juneau residents to help keep the roads safe and support emergency services by clearing snow from nearby fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood.

Clear fire hydrants help first responders respond to emergencies

Fire crews rely on immediate access to hydrants to respond quickly to fires and medical emergencies. Keeping hydrants accessible is a simple step that helps protect your neighbors, your property, and the safety of first responders during this extreme winter weather.

Please do not park vehicles, place snow piles, or store plowed snow in front of or on top of fire hydrants, even if they are difficult to see. If you are able, clear snow from hydrants near your home or business, leaving at least three feet of clear space around them.

Clear storm drains reduce the risk of minor floods

City storm drains blocked by snow and rain increase Juneau’s risk of flooding. If you are able, help clear snow from your neighborhood storm drain.

While CBJ Streets crews are working to clear fire hydrants, storm drains, and CBJ roads as quickly as possible, resident support is greatly appreciated.

For media inquiries, contact [email protected].

December 29th, 2025|

UPDATE: Water Restored to Isolated Water Main Break in Industrial Boulevard Area

UPDATE (December 29, 2025, 11:33 a.m.):

The boil water advisory issued to properties impacted by the December 25 watermain break near lower Industrial Boulevard between Crazy Horse Drive and Maier Drive has has been cancelled.

City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Utility staff notified impacted properties of the watermain break and subsequent boil water advisory on December 26, and sent water samples for testing as a standard safety precaution the same day. The test results came back today showing that all potable water in the area is safe for consumption.

UPDATE (December 26, 2025, 6 p.m.):

City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Utility crews were able to locate and repair the water main issue and service was restored to the area by approximately 4 p.m. on December 26. A boil water advisory is in effect for the impact area until water quality testing can be completed over the weekend. Impacted property owners will be notified when the boil water advisory has concluded.

Original Notice:
At approximately 8:00 p.m. on December 25, a water main break was detected by City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Utility staff in the area of lower Industrial Boulevard between Crazy Horse Drive and Maier Drive. Utility staff subsequently isolated the break to a smaller area with multiple businesses and one residence. Crews have provided notification to the residence and other impacted properties where possible.

Potable water services to the affected area have been shut down for the evening and a CBJ work crew will be responding first thing in the morning to repair the water main and restore service to the area. Additional information will be provided once available. Impacted property owners can contact the CBJ Water Utility at (907) 723-2201.

December 26th, 2025|

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keep warming until full water pressure returns

Be patient—slow and steady warming is safest.

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.

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|

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|