The lack of snow cover this winter may make water pipes more susceptible to freezing, according to a notice Austin Utilities sent out Wednesday.

Heavy snowfall before the ground freezes insulates the ground, keeping underground pipes warmer.

"This year we haven't had much snow, there isn't much insulation," said Todd Jorgenson, Austin Utilities gas and water distribution supervisor.

As the temperatures plunge, the frost sinks deeper into the ground, Jorgenson said.

The notice was sent out to remind homes that have had frozen pipes in the past to take precautions to prevent them from freezing again.

Austin Utilities suggests that those homeowners:

n Be sure water lines on the outside walls and those that have frozen in the past are well-insulated

n Have a small stream of water flowing through a faucet if your pipes have frozen in previous winters.

"Water won't freeze as long as it's running," Jorgenson said.

Houses in which pipes come into the home through an unheated basement or properties where the water lines have not been buried deep enough also are susceptible to freezing pipes.

When pipes freeze, homeowners should call Austin Utilities during business hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Repairs after business hours have to be approved by a general manager, Jorgenson said.

For $150, Austin Utilities electricians use an device to heat the pipes.

"Once they freeze, you don't really have a lot of options," Jorgenson said. "The best option would be to call us."

Some parts of town in the northwest and southeast parts of town that have shallow water pipes have had the most problems with pipes freezing, said Al Retterath, Austin Utilities supervisor of electric distribution.

But where pipes freeze depends on the year, he added.

"It kind of really varies with the winter we get," Retterath said.

Last year no frozen pipes were reported. In 2001, Austin Utilities repaired "maybe three or four," Retterath said.

As of Wednesday morning, one household had reported frozen pipes, Jorgenson said.

For more information call Austin Utilities at 433-8886.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com