MONTE VISTA — Residents are again encouraged to run a thin stream of water through their faucets in an effort to combat frozen water lines.

The Monte Vista City Council has decided to allow water customers to use 15,000 gallons of water per month for this effort, at no additional charge. After the 15,000 gallons, customers will be charged the usual rate per 1,000 gallons of use. The new policy will take effect after meters are read in December and will continue through March 15. Meter reading typically begins on the 15th of each month.

This policy has been put into place due to the inability to predict when water line freezing begins each winter. In recent years, public works crews have had dozens of incidents of frozen water lines that required digging into the streets to thaw them. Multiple water meters have also frozen, with many requiring replacement.

For more information about this policy, contact the Public Works Director Robert Vance at 852-2692.