FREELAND -- Crews are now using welders to try to thaw frozen pipes and the mayor of Freeland has declared a state of emergency.
That state of emergency was declared Tuesday afternoon and the number of people dealing with frozen pipes in Freeland keeps growing.
The water authority is overwhelmed trying to thaw out pipes for more than 60 homes.
Now the borough hopes the state of emergency will clear the way for some outside help.
It was last Wednesday when pipes started freezing and people starting losing water by the dozens.
Representatives from Freeland Municipal Water Authority have all their crews working overtime, but they're never had so many pipes freeze all at the same time.
This is one of three crews that have been out for days trying to thaw frozen water pipes in and around Freeland.
The Freeland Municipal Water Authority has never experienced anything like this.
"I've been a member for 12 years. This is the first of this catastrophic results," said authority member Jerry Wizda.
People in more than 60 homes have been without water, some for nearly a week.
Wizda says the water authority is overwhelmed and needs help.
"We have Senator Yudichak's office that is making phone call for us to see if they can round up some equipment, the PEMA coordinator or director from Wilkes-Barre is going to meet with us," said Wizda. "She will be here to try and provide us with some assistance."
Until help arrives, Municipal Water has all three of its crews working overtime.
Crews spent two hours at Robert Gresh's home on Alvin Street, eventually getting the water to turn back on.
"It feels good, I am glad to see them, very glad because I didn't expect to see them today because I realize the town is really in trouble."
As crews work to unfreeze the pipes, the water authority wants to remind people that just because your pipes aren't frozen now, doesn't mean they can't be. They're asking people in the area to run the water in their faucet to a stream that is the width of a pencil.
"I did a little experiment at home last night and calculated it at our rate of what we sell our water for, you can do that for a $1.50 a day if you let it run 24 hours," said Wizda.
But it's too late for Larry Hayle, whose water pipes froze Tuesday. While he waited before crews to get to him, he tried to see if there was anything he can do.
"I originally thought if I can find a hole, and I asked them at the water company if I can put a heat gun down in there, would it help? They don't seem to think so. I am trying to thaw it from the inside out," Hayle said.
For those who are without water, the Freeland Fire Department has opened its doors. Until further notice, people can come 24 hours a day with their own containers to fill up with water.
The local YMCA is allowing people to take showers there.
Freeland Municipal Water Authority hopes to have all the water pipes thawed by the end of this week.
