HOUSTON \u2013 It\u2019s not quite the Shakespeare line, but it\u2019s the proverbial question on many Houston-area residents\u2019 minds as freezing temperatures head toward our area. So should you drip or not drip your faucets?<\/p>\n
This is what we know.<\/p>\n
To trickle or not trickle? This is what local authorities are saying<\/p>\n
Houston city residents who have water that comes from pumping stations:<\/p>\n
Do not drip your water faucets. The City of Houston system is run not through water towers, but through re-pump stations on the ground and it requires electricity. <\/p>\n
The city asks that people not drip their faucets because it could put pressure on the system that could actually cause pressure losses throughout the system.<\/p>\n
A representative with Houston Public Works shared this statement with KPRC 2 in 2025: <\/p>\n
\u201cHouston Public Works does NOT advise people to drip their faucets. Our water system is run through re-pump stations, not water towers. It could have a negative impact on our system\u2019s water pressure if we have a mass amount of people dripping their faucets. We do advise people to drain their pipes and turn off water service to their home if they are leaving town for the holidays. You can turn off water service to your home by locating the shutoff valve and turning it clockwise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harris County residents on a water tower system:<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re leaving town, turn off your water and drain your pipes. That means locating your main shutoff valve — that\u2019s usually a black box near the curb outside and turn the valve to shut off the water. Then you need to drain the water by turning on the faucets. <\/p>\n