What might be a physical indicator of a frozen water main?

Unusual pressure changes can indeed serve as a physical indicator of a frozen water main. When water freezes within the pipes, it expands, causing ice to form and blocking the flow of water. This blockage can lead to significant pressure changes in the system.

As water continues to flow through other sections of the main, the pressure upstream from the freeze can decrease, resulting in lower water delivery pressure to households and businesses. Conversely, there may be a rise in pressure downstream as water attempts to move beyond the blockage. Monitoring for these anomalies can help identify freezing issues before they lead to bursting pipes or other complications.

In contrast, clear water flow, high sediment content, and consistent temperature would not typically indicate freezing conditions. Clear water flow suggests normal operation, high sediment content often points to issues like sediment build-up or disturbances in treatment, and a consistent temperature might indicate a stable environmental condition rather than the stress caused by freezing water within the system.