The Town of Hay River, Northwest Territories, issued a cold weather advisory on March 16, 2026, due to a high risk of residential water and sewer lines freezing. Officials are asking every household connected to the town system to use water regularly throughout the day to keep pipes clear and avoid service interruptions. Residents with installed “bleeders” are specifically urged to ensure they are active.
Current ground frost levels are deeper than what is normally seen this time of year, which is the main cause of the issue. According to town officials, frost conditions usually continue to get worse through the spring and can often last until May.
Recent service line freeze-ups have been reported near the north end of Stewart Drive and the south end of McBryan Drive. Residents in these specific areas are encouraged to be extra careful and take steps to keep their water moving.
Patrick Bergen, the Director of Infrastructure and Planning Services, is overseeing the town’s response to these reports. The Public Works Division is advising residents to run warm water occasionally and check on their properties if they plan to travel.
These proactive measures are intended to help homeowners avoid the high cost of emergency repairs. By keeping water flowing, residents can help prevent stagnant water from turning into ice inside their service lines.
