Public Notice - City of Ocala Urges Residents and Businesses to Protect Pipes and Backflow Devices During Freezing Temperatures

OCALA, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2026) - The City of Ocala Water Resources Department is reminding all water customers, both residential and commercial, to take steps to protect exposed pipes and backflow prevention devices during freezing weather.

Properly protecting these devices can help prevent costly damage and service disruptions.

If pipes or backflow devices are not leaking, customers should completely wrap them using towels, cloths or other weatherproof materials. Secure coverings with tape or zip ties to keep them in place.

If a device is leaking, customers should first turn off the valve located before the device. Once the water is shut off, the device should be wrapped. Customers should avoid wrapping leaking devices with wet materials, as this can increase the risk of freezing and damage.

Taking these simple precautions can help reduce the risk of pipe bursts and protect water systems during cold conditions.

For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Water Resources Department at 352-351-6775 or visit https://www.ocalafl.gov/waterresources.

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