Memphis is experiencing intensifying winters and frequent water crises. Learn about what the problems are, what MLGW's doing to strengthen our resiliency, how to prepare your home water system for winter weather, and what to do in a water crisis.
Memphis' water infrastructure is old - many water pumping stations are over 100 years old, and many groundwater wells are well beyond their expected service life of 40 years. Meanwhile, we have historically buried our water service lines below the frost line -- a depth that is much shallower in the south than in northern areas. As we experience more extreme cold snaps than ever before, that frost line is getting deeper. This means our entire water distribution system is vulnerable to freezes.
In February 2021, a winter storm brought record-setting snowfall. The city declared a state of emergency on February 17, and as water mains broke and leaked throughout the city, on February 18th MLGW issued its first-ever Boil Water Advisory. That advisory was not lifted until a week later on February 25.
Then, in December 2022, a deep freeze created another crisis. After breaks at over 30 water mains, MLGW issued its second-ever Boil Water Advisory that spanned nearly another week, from December 24-29. Christmas dinner that year came over boiled & bottled waters.
In January 2024, another deep freeze created a water crisis, with a Boil Water Advisory from January 18-23.
It's a shocking new trend and, as our water infrastructure gets older and weather gets more intense, one that we can expect to continue.
Read on for details on what MLGW's doing to try and get ahead of the problem, guidance on what to do during a Boil Water Advisory, and how you can prepare your water system at home to avoid crises on your end, too.
Memphis' water infrastructure is old - many water pumping stations are over 100 years old, and many groundwater wells are well beyond their expected service life of 40 years. Meanwhile, we have historically buried our water service lines below the frost line -- a depth that is much shallower in the south than in northern areas. As we experience more extreme cold snaps than ever before, that frost line is getting deeper. This means our entire water distribution system is vulnerable to freezes.
In February 2021, a winter storm brought record-setting snowfall. The city declared a state of emergency on February 17, and as water mains broke and leaked throughout the city, on February 18th MLGW issued its first-ever Boil Water Advisory. That advisory was not lifted until a week later on February 25.
Then, in December 2022, a deep freeze created another crisis. After breaks at over 30 water mains, MLGW issued its second-ever Boil Water Advisory that spanned nearly another week, from December 24-29. Christmas dinner that year came over boiled & bottled waters.
In January 2024, another deep freeze created a water crisis, with a Boil Water Advisory from January 18-23.
It's a shocking new trend and, as our water infrastructure gets older and weather gets more intense, one that we can expect to continue.
Read on for details on what MLGW's doing to try and get ahead of the problem, guidance on what to do during a Boil Water Advisory, and how you can prepare your water system at home to avoid crises on your end, too.
Since 2021, MLGW has invested over $100 million in water infrastructure to strengthen our system. This includes necessary upgrades at outdated pumping stations as well as drilling new wells to increase our ability to pump water & maintain water pressure in a crisis. And MLGW CEO Doug McGowen has promised more investment to come.
With investment comes financing, and we learned that water rates will go up in 2026 to continue those infrastructure improvements. We need YOU to ensure commercial water customers pay their fair share.
Boil Water Advisories can be issued for a range of reasons by MLGW when our water could possibly be contaminated. Usually, during winter weather, it’s because of low water pressure.
Our water system is huge, and small cracks in the buried pipes likely exist throughout the system. That's why we - and many cities across the country - experience regular water loss of up to 30%! Water pressure keeps the system clean, though - it keeps pushing water out through any of the cracks that do exist. When water pressure drops, it allows contaminants in the ground to potentially enter the pipes and make their way to your faucet.
But how does water pressure drop? During cold temperatures, water in the pipes and the ground around it freezes & expands, creating major cracks. When temperatures finally rise and the water thaws, major leaks can occur through those new cracks. This can happen at water mains, but it can also happen in industrial sprinkler systems - and even at homes. When these leaks occur all at once, they cause a drop in water pressure across the system. This is when the threat of contamination - and the Boil Water Advisory - can be issued until the leaks are repaired.
MLGW regularly tests our water quality & pressure, reporting to state & federal authorities at TDEC and the EPA. When there’s cause for concern, they’ll issue a Boil Water Advisory until pressure is restored & water tests come back clean.
When under a Boil Water Advisory, be sure to boil all water (at a rolling boil for 1 full minute) that will contact your mouth - whether that’s for drinking, brushing your teeth, or washing dishes. Don't forget to dump all ice from ice makers, too! Usually, it’s okay to bathe, do laundry, & water the plants, but always read the details of the water advisory. Read more water safety tips at the CDC website!
You can also get text alerts from MLGW about Boil Water Advisories - register online or give them a call at 901-544-6549.
Always remember to filter first before boiling if you have lead service lines. Unsure if you have lead? Check out MLGW's new inventory map and search for your address. Treat "Galvanized" or "Unknown" as lead and filter first!
When an advisory is lifted, flush your water system:
The same phenomenon that causes water pressure drops in the system (freezing temps -> frozen water in the line -> cracks in pipes -> temps rise -> water thaws -> water leaks) can happen in your home system, too. Remember: MLGW is responsible for maintaining the supply system up to your meter, but you (or your landlord) must maintain your home system. Water leaks at home can be expensive and devastating. Take the time to winterize your home each season so that you stay prepared. And, know what to do in case of a water emergency to mitigate damage.
But don't worry - we've got a checklist to help you out! Download our Winter Weather Water Checklist here & prepare your home for cold temps.
You can also use our video guides on winterizing your home:
Do you know how to turn off the water to your home? Can you do it in a crisis? Often your home meter can be overgrown - or you may not have a water meter key, which is an essential tool to shutting off your water! Stay prepared - use our video guide on locating your water main & turning off your water to be ready to act in a crisis.
