Press Release

Protecting water meters is essential to prevent water losses or shortages during the winter season.

With temperatures forecasted to drop starting this weekend and continuing throughout the coming weeks, Gesesa renews its recommendation for all users to safeguard their water meters from frost by using temporary covers, particularly in mountain areas within its managed territory.

To assist users, Gesesa has prepared a brief guide, provided below and available on its website www.gesesa.it and its Facebook page, detailing how to protect water meters from freezing temperatures.

Reminding users that the care and maintenance of water meters are their responsibility, here are some simple tips to protect them from the cold: 

1. Outdoor compartments or niches housing water meters must be properly insulated, including the door. Insulating materials such as polystyrene or polyurethane foam, readily available at construction supply stores, are sufficient. For effective insulation, the panels should be at least 2 centimeters thick. Meters located in unheated rooms should also be coated with insulating materials (polystyrene, polyurethane foam, or similar products).
2. Avoid wrapping water pipes with fiberglass or rags if they are exposed to harsh weather conditions. These materials absorb water, which can worsen the situation. Additionally, they may attract dirt or serve as potential nesting sites for insects.
3. Ensure the dial of the meter remains uncovered from protections to allow authorized personnel to perform necessary meter readings.
4. For meters located in outdoor compartments, niches, or unheated or inhabited rooms, if the outside temperature remains below zero for several consecutive days, it is recommended to leave a small trickle of water running from the tap (a slight drip is sufficient, in this way it is possible to avoid unnecessary water waste).
5. For meters located in uninhabited buildings, it is advised to close the upstream tap and drain the system. 

In the event of a meter breakage or damage, users are encouraged to promptly notify Gesesa by calling the toll-free emergency number 800 511 717, available 24/7, or by using the MyGesesa app on their smartphones and accessing the “Failures and Downtime” section.