Blog Post

How to Conserve Water by Preventing Winter Weather Freeze-ups and Water Leaks

November 27, 2023

Protect your water lines and plumbing from winter weather damage.

Are you a homeowner in the Hampstead Area Water Company's service area? If so, you know how important it is to conserve water. One of the best ways to conserve water is to prevent winter weather freeze-ups and water leaks. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can protect your water lines and plumbing from winter weather damage.


First, make sure you protect your water lines from freezing. During cold winter weather, you should disconnect hoses, turn off water valves to outside faucets, and cover outside faucets with foam insulation or a foam-rubber faucet cover. Also, ensure you keep your home’s temperature at 55 degrees or higher to prevent your pipes from freezing.


Second, regularly check your water meter and home plumbing for any signs of water leaks. Signs of a leak include a sudden rise in your water bill, a sound of water running when all the faucets are turned off, and wet spots on the floor or walls. If you detect any signs of a water leak, you should immediately contact a plumber to repair the issue.


Finally, make sure you properly maintain your home plumbing. Have your plumbing system inspected at least once a year, and replace any old or damaged pipes. Also, replace any outdated fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and showerheads with more water-efficient models.

Following these tips can help conserve water and protect your home’s plumbing from winter weather damage. We hope this blog post has been helpful, and thank you for being a customer of the Hampstead Area Water Company.


10 steps to prevent winter freeze-ups that cause water leaks

  1. Insulate water pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures.
  2. Install self-regulating heat cable on exposed pipes.
  3. Install a water heater jacket to reduce heat loss.
  4. Keep your house warm by setting your thermostat to a minimum of 55°F.
  5. Make sure your attic is properly insulated.
  6. Set up a timer to turn off outdoor faucets during cold weather.
  7. Seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior.
  8. Install storm windows to reduce drafts.
  9. Repair or replace cracked or deteriorating caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors.
  10. Check for any signs of water leaks and repair them as soon as possible.



Hampstead Area Water Company is a proud EPA WaterSense Partner

WaterSense partners are ambassadors spreading the water-efficiency message. Partners help educate the public while transforming the marketplace to include WaterSense labeled products, new homes, and certification programs.


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November 22, 2023 Dear Water Customer, On November 24, 2020, The Hampstead Area Water Company, Inc. (HAWC) filed for a rate increase with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC). The increases in the water rates are designed to allow the Company to recover its costs and to earn a reasonable return on its investment. After due consideration and review by the parties, HAWC, the NH Department of Energy, the NH Office of the Consumer Advocate, the Town of Atkinson and the Town of Hampstead entered into a Settlement Agreement. The NHPUC approved the rate increase incorporated into the Settlement Agreement on June 2, 2022; NHPUC Order Number 26,635. This order includes a rate increase to water charges with two proposed step increases in the future, and the approval to charge for private fire protection in residential homes with fire protection systems. On November 8, 2023, the NHPUC approved the Step 2 Adjustment, Order Number 26,902 . In the Step 2 adjustment the monthly base rate charged by HAWC for customers with a 5/8” meter (most residential customers) will increase from the current rate of $12.89 per month to $14.24 per month. The consumption rate will increase from the current rate of $7.72 per 100cf to $8.41 per 100cf. The private fire protection charges will not change. The complete list of new rates can be found on our website at https://www.hampsteadwater.com/water-rates-fee-info . We at Hampstead Area Water Co., Inc. would like to express our appreciation to you, our customers. We thank you for your support while we continue improving our abilities to better serve you now and into the future. Should you have additional questions please feel free to contact our office Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at (603) 362-4299 or by email at customerservice@hampsteadwater.com . Sincerely,
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Dear Valued Customers, We understand that you may be experiencing frustration due to the recent colored water issue affecting our water supply. We want to assure you that we are fully aware of this situation and are actively working to address it in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). The following is a statement issued by the NH Department of Environmental Services on August 17th, 2023: We understand your frustration with the colored water you are receiving. NHDES is aware of widespread colored water in the Hampstead Area and Salem water systems. We are communicating closely with the operators and managers of both water systems while they work to resolve the issue. While we understand colored water is disruptive and aesthetically unpleasant, both Salem and Hampstead Area water systems are in compliance with all state and federal primary drinking water standards, including additional samples required by NHDES as a result of this issue. Color and manganese at the levels measured exceed what is referred to as secondary standards, which are based on aesthetics, not public health risk. The colored water occurrence is linked to elevated manganese and natural organic matter (NOM) in Salem's source water. This elevation is likely attributed to periods of high precipitation and runoff, which the Salem treatment process is not specifically designed to fully eliminate. Hampstead Area Water Company (HAWC), relies significantly on water sourced from the Town of Salem to meet the demand, especially during peak usage periods. We wish to inform you that Salem has taken immediate steps to address the situation by implementing operational adjustments and temporary additional treatment at their plant. As a result, the water leaving the plant is now clear. However, it will take some time for this clear water to fully circulate through both distribution systems. NHDES is working collaboratively with Salem to develop a comprehensive corrective action plan. This plan aims to improve Salem's intake and treatment processes to prevent such occurrences in the future. We sincerely understand the inconvenience this situation has caused you and appreciate your patience. Rest assured, both Salem and HAWC are committed to resolving this issue and ensuring the provision of safe and clear water to our valued customers. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. Sincerely, Michael C. Unger, PE Water Engineer Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau NH Department of Environmental Services Hampstead Area Water Company, Inc. (HAWC) is providing this update to address concerns regarding recent drinking water color. The company is committed to providing the highest quality water to its customers and ensuring transparency as it addresses this issue. Please continue to utilize the water color report submission located on the home page of www.hampsteadwater.com Thank you for your patience and understand that we are working hard to resolve this issue, and although the water was not aesthetically pleasing, at no time during this event did any water samples exceed safe drinking water standards. Stay Informed: Regularly check HAWC’s website at www.hampsteadwater.com and social media channels for updates on the progress of our efforts. For inquiries and more information, please contact: Customer Service Hampstead Area Water Company, Inc. Phone: 603-362-4299 Email: customerservice@hampsteadwater.com Website: www.hampsteadwater.com
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