Winter Weather Water Reminders

As the cold weather approaches, it is time to consider the possibility of ruptures occurring in our water pipes and/or meters. Below are a few tips to help you keep your pipes and meters in working order:

Before freezing weather hits:

• Turn off the water to outside faucets, remove hoses, and drain the pipes
• From the inside, cover any open vents with insulation, plastic, or cardboard
• Tightly close all doors and windows, and repair as necessary to seal out drafts
• Insulate and repair  outside-facing walls
• On colder nights, it's a good  idea to open cabinet doors to expose pipes to your home’s warmth
• The temperature where water meters and interior pipes are located must be a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit from November 1 through April 1
• Let your kitchen or bathroom faucets drip slowly on very cold nights to keep water moving.

If a pipe in your home freezes:

• Completely open the cold and/or hot water faucet closest to the frozen pipe. This will relieve pressure and reduce the chance of breakage
• If you decide to try thawing the pipe yourself, use a hand-held electric hair dryer
• If in doubt, call a registered plumber for help

Meadow Valley Townhouses

To prevent water damage to your home due to frozen water lines, all water meters and associated pipes in the exterior utility closets should be completely protected by insulation and/or heat tape. The Town will replace your meter once if it breaks from the weather, but if it happens again due to the same problem, there will be a charge of $400.00 for each occurrence. If you have any questions or need help in this matter, please get in touch with us at 240-286-3389.

Dog Rules 

 The Town has received a few complaints about dogs not being on leashes or owners not picking up after their dogs. So, as a reminder, you will find the county’s code regarding both issues below. If you would like to report a violation, please contact the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.  For more information, click here:  Animal Control and Anti-Cruelty Laws, Office of Animal Services, Montgomery County, MD

At Large -  

Any dog is at large if it is outside the owner’s premises and not leashed, unless it is a service dog, is in a dog exercise area designated by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, or is participating in an approved activity. 

Any other animal (i.e., unaltered cat, livestock animal) is at large if it is outside the owner’s premises and not leashed or immediately responsive to verbal or non-verbal direction. 

The common area of a homeowner’s association, condominium, or cooperative is not the owner’s premises. 

($100 fine for first offense; $500 fine for each subsequent violation) 

Animal Defecation (“pooper scooper” law) (Montgomery County Code, Sec. 5-203(a)(2)) -  

An owner must not allow an animal to damage or defecate on property outside of the owner’s property. An animal may defecate on public property or the common area of property in which the owner shares an interest if the owner immediately removes and disposes of the feces by a sanitary method approved by the Director. Feces may be picked up in a plastic bag. If this bag is placed inside another plastic bag, it may be put out for disposal in your normal household trash. ($100 fine) 

Pick It Up Poolesville 

The Sustainable Poolesville Committee and Poolesville Green partner together to sponsor our Pick it up, Poolesville litter initiative.  Come out and help keep Poolesville clean.  We will have bags available.  Please bring your own gloves and trash grabbers if you have them.  SSL hours will be available as needed for students in grades 6 - 12.  Be sure to sign in for SSL forms.  Click on the link below for more information. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EA9AF2CA0F94-51088241-pick