The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is requesting residents and businesses to discontinue dripping faucets once temperatures are above freezing.

The state agency made the appeal on Thursday morning due to excessive water demand by public water systems across the state.

ADEM: Water utilities struggling

Below is the message ADEM sent to news outlets across the state:

“Water utilities across the state are struggling to keep up with increased consumer demand, exacerbated by leaks from frozen pipes as they thaw. The public can help by checking for leaks inside and outside of their homes or businesses. If leaks are found, they should shut off the water supply until the leaks are repaired.

Customers are urged to contact their local water supplier if they have a major leak and are unable to shut off their water supply. This is particularly important for vacant buildings with water service that have not already been disconnected.”

Alternative to leaking faucets

In lieu of dripping faucets, ADEM recommends the use of insulated covers for outdoor faucets whenever possible.

According to the National Weather Service most of Alabama will have 40 degree weather and above until early Friday morning when temps once again plummet to freezing. On Friday evening and Saturday, the state will once again experience a hard freeze with temps in the teens.

Some good news? The weather service is predicting much warmer weather beginning on Tuesday.

Do you have some helpful winter tips? Tell us on social media by tagging us at @thebamabuzz