Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) directed its customers to avoid non-essential water use Thursday morning.
The utility said it has repaired 27 broken water mains since Saturday and is now working to fix two more. While water systems across the MLGW network are operating at full capacity, leaks downstream are affecting system pressures, it said.
MLGW is asking residential customers to turn off the water when washing dishes, brushing teeth, or shaving. It is also suggesting them to take shorter showers and delay running dishwashers and washing machines.
Customers can stop dripping household faucets to prevent pipes from freezing when temperatures are expected to rise above freezing Thursday between 1 p.m.-5 p.m. MLGW suggested returning the drips when temperatures return to below 32 degrees.
Commercial and industrial customers should limit water usage to 75 percent of their typical usage.
