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|

Water Main Break Impacting Ridge Way Neighborhood

The City & Borough of Juneau Utilities Division identified a water main break in the area of Ridge Way and Blackerby Street above Twin Lakes. Water has been shut off to approximately 20 homes in the area. Crews are on site to conduct necessary repairs to the aged utility infrastructure and restore water service as quickly as possible.

CBJ will provide updates to impacted residents as available.

 

For questions, contact the CBJ Utilities Division at 907.586.0393.

October 9th, 2025|

Temporary Water Shut-Off in North Twin Lakes Area on October 9

Residents can expect a temporary water shut-off in the area along Glacier Highway between Craig Street and Hooter Lane on Thursday, October 9 starting at 10 a.m. and lasting for 30 – 60 minutes. The shut off will also impact the area including the Juneau Pioneer Home.

The shut-off is necessary for the City & Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Utilities Division to conduct upgrades to water utility infrastructure in the area. Water service should be restored by 11 a.m. on Thursday without further interruptions.

For questions, contact the CBJ Utilities Division at 907.586.0393.

October 8th, 2025|

Water shut-off scheduled for Glacier Spur Road area on July 18

Water service to streets in the area of Glacier Spur Road will be shut off from 9 a.m. to Noon on Friday, July 18, 2025.  The brief outage is needed to connect the new upgraded waterline on Eyelet Court to the water main on Glacier Spur Road.

The shut off will affect residents on Eyelet Court, residents on all streets off Glacier Spur Road north of Eyelet Court (see list below), and the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

During the scheduled shutdown period, the following affected areas will be without water:

  • Eyelet Court
  • Threadneedle Street
  • Trafalgar Avene
  • Kanat’a Deyi Street
  • Garnet Street
  • Gladstone Street
  • Circle Drive
  • Counterpane Lane
  • Gladstone Street
  • Glacier Spur Road, north of Eyelet Court

Please check your appliances and heating system and take any precautions noted in the owner’s manual to make sure that they will not be damaged from lack of water.

After water service returns, you may notice air or light sediment when first using the water.  This is normal and will dissipate relatively quickly.  If you notice either of these conditions, please allow water to run from the affected faucet until it returns to normal. This typically takes less than one minute.

CBJ recognizes the inconvenience to residents and appreciates your patience during these critical upgrades.

For questions, contact:

  • Nick Druyvestein, CBJ Engineering  –  (907) 586-0800 x 4224
  • John Hollatz, Hollatz Engineering, Inc.  –  (907) 321-7760
  • Andrew Campbell, Admiralty Construction Inc  –  (907) 321-2265
July 17th, 2025|
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