What you need to know:
- Abnormally cold weather in the Mat-Su has frozen water, sewer and septic lines across the region, leaving many residents without running water and driving hundreds of emergency service calls.
- Residents using Palmer and Wasilla water and sewer services have also experienced frozen line issues, with some facing extended periods without water.
- While water lines may thaw as temperatures rise, experts warn sewer and septic systems could worsen as the ground thaws, with rising water tables and impaired bacteria leading to backups. Officials advise residents to keep a small stream of water running to prevent further freezing and to service septic systems if they are concerned about potential problems.
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PALMER — A streak of abnormally cold weather this month has frozen utility lines across Mat-Su, leaving many homeowners without water or septic and sewer systems.
For some of those issues, the problem is unlikely to improve anytime soon, experts said Tuesday.
“This year is unlike any year we’ve seen,” said Brenden Strom, owner of Wasilla-based A2 Septic. “We’re fielding three to 10 emergencies every single day.”…