City asks neighbours to share water

About 60 Hamilton homeowners have committed the ultimate neighbourly deed this year – they've let their neighbours with frozen pipes hook up to their water supply. And the city hopes more people follow suit.

At least 1,100 homes have been without water over the last two months because frigid temperatures have frozen their pipes. The problem is particularly bad on Hamilton Mountain.

The city and local plumbers have been scrambling to answer all the calls, but the average wait time for a house without water is still 8.5 days, said Dan McKinnon, head of Hamilton Water.

Now the city is putting out a call for neighbours to help.

People without water can ask their neighbours to share their water with a temporary water connection, McKinnon said. Hamilton Water will set it up using a food-grade hose, and it will give neighbours a way to shower, flush their toilets and do laundry.

Plenty of people aren't asking their neighbours, McKinnon said. "Sometimes neighbours don't get along as well as we want them to."

McKinnon said the city isn't brokering those deals. "We don't know the history or if there's bad blood between neighbours," McKinnon said.

Furthermore, he said, it's not the city's responsibility, and the city doesn't have the manpower. Also, "some might perceive that it's the city telling them to do it."

But those without water should consider asking their neighbours. If the neighbour says yes, they should contact the city, he said.

Temperatures are climbing in Hamilton, but frozen pipes are still an issue, McKinnon said. The city received 26 new calls Wednesday alone.

Frigid temperatures have caused water mains to break and pipes to freeze, particularly since early February.

A typical winter brings about 40 calls about frozen pipes. Last year, there were about 560, about half as many as this year. The city is looking at compassionate grants for people experiencing frozen pipes located at the road allowance, which is city property.

Coun. Scott Duvall of Ward 7 said he's not happy that it's taking an average of eight days to thaw pipes.

"I'm frustrated, but I understand they're doing the best they can," he said.

"Some days it seems like they're making great progress and some days it seems like they're standing still. But it's the volume of calls."

Water main breaks are the priority because of the risk to public safety, and pipes take several hours to thaw, the city says.

There are still about 135 homes without water, McKinnon said.

Anyone who's willing to give their neighbour water, needs water delivered or encounters issues with their pipes should contact Hamilton Water at 905-546-4426 or hwemergency@hamilton.ca.

Recreation centres are also open for people needing showers or potable water. There are details at Hamilton.ca.

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