ATTENTION All Waterline Users on Both Territories
Submitted by Theresa Lay, Utilities Department
Winter is creeping up on us once again, it’s time to winterize your waterline pipes! All mobile home owners should have their skirting up and intact. It is in your best interest to protect your pipes against the elements; frozen pipes lead to breakage and leaks. Insulation around pipes along with heat tape is a deterrent against frozen water pipes. We have found that home made wooden boxes to cover the meter and pipes are a big help. PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO PLUG IN YOUR HEAT TAPE!!! Be sure your heat tape is in proper working order, heat tape must be checked each year to ensure it is operational. If your heat tape is not heating thoroughly, it must be replaced– it doesn’t last forever! Also, please make sure you know the location of your curb stop, (flag it!) so it will not be disturbed during snow removal. This also deters damage to your plow as well.
This department’s waterline was primarily funded through the Indian Health Service and we must adhere to strict guidelines. Therefore, if you’ve had water service for one year or longer, it is up to you, as the homeowner, to maintain your hook-up. All renters should advise their landlords of their responsibilities if they are not being met.
Due to harsh budget constraints we are incurring, there is only so much we can do to assist you, but we do offer some basic parts and materials at a discounted rate, manpower excluded.
Please contact our offices if you should have any questions/concerns:
Cattaraugus (716) 532-9221
Allegany (716) 945-0059
Should any community members notice any standing water on your lawn, under your trailer, (especially if it hasn’t rained in a while); please notify us immediately so we may identify the problem. Please note if you hear any water running in a home that is unoccupied, there may be a leak. THE WATERLINE DEPARTMENT MUST BE INFORMED WHEN OCCUPANTS ARE LEAVING THEIR HOME FOR ANY LONG PERIOD OF TIME SO WE MAY SHUT OFF THE WATER AND AVOID COSTLY REPAIRS TO THE OWNER. We appreciate any help our residents can give us!
Please be aware that having a potable water source is imperative to clean living and survival. Do the preventive maintenance NOW, we can’t stress it enough. It will save you the trouble and expense of later repairs. Also, please note that if you have to dig near any utilities you must contact DIGSAFELY, which is an underground utility locating service (800-962-7962). This could prevent you from accidentally ripping out dangerous electrical lines, natural gas lines, and waterlines that could interrupt residential services.
Also, please take note of the process that occurs when applicants apply for services from our department for wastewater facilities…we are funded through the Indian Health Service, so we do have to follow protocol and their guidelines. This process is not the fastest, but working hand in hand with the agency, we will attempt to get all systems installed on a timely basis. At this time, there is a six month waiting period (at least) for new systems to be checked, site spec’d and designed and ready for construction. We do emphasize to our residents to be aware of when they decide to build or buy a home and to put their application in as early as possible. Sometimes people decide to build, or buy a home and think that this infrastructure can just be placed in at their timeline, but planning ahead is very important, unless you are able to wrap it into your own costs, we are not to be used as a resource as priority level residents could come in at any time. These guidelines are available to residents, stop by our office and pick up an application, the first two pages outline what is required. We appreciate an informed resident!
Have a safe, healthy, enjoyable winter season! Again, Nya:wëh for your cooperation!
SNI Utilities
