Area residents asked to conserve water due to water line breaks

Leaks from burst water pipes are taking a toll on area water supplies. Officials are asking people to conserve water in Helen, Cleveland, White County, and Demorest. (Trent Crawford/WRWH.com)

Residents in White County and parts of Habersham are being asked to conserve water due to the large number of water line breaks caused by recent subfreezing temperatures.

The city of Helen issued a notice on Tuesday saying water supplies there and in White County and Cleveland “are running dangerously low.”

“The City of Helen is requesting all homeowners, businesses and visitors using water in any part of White County (who obtain water from a public source and not a private well) to conserve water,” the notice states.

Demorest, in Habersham County, issued a notice late Sunday asking its water customers to be “proactive” and conserve water.

Helen officials recommend homeowners “wait a few days” to wash laundry or do other household chores that require large amounts of water. They’re asking business owners to wait until dish washers are completely full before running them; ask guests to use bath towels several days; and make sure washing machines are at a full load when doing laundry.

For short-term rentals, owners are asked to shock jacuzzis instead of emptying and refilling them.

“Please be observant and report any water you see that may be a break so we can determine if it needs to be cut off,” the Helen notice states.