Natural Gas Department

For Your Information

Nearly 14 miles of natural gas pipelines run beneath Alma delivering natural gas for a variety of uses. Residents primarily use natural gas to heat their homes during the cold winter months. It is also used to provide hot water and for cooking.
 
Detecting Leaks
 
Natural gas allows for greater living comfort but users must be extremely cautious due to its explosive nature. In its natural state, natural gas is odorless and colorless. Any leaking of natural gas from a service line is an extremely dangerous situation. Since natural gas naturally has no color or odor, how can someone detect a possible leak? The natural gas distributed by Alma Utilities contains an additive chemical, mercaptan. Mercaptan smells like ”rotten eggs.” It is very pungent. Should you smell an odor similar to “rotten eggs,” go to a neighbor’s home and call the City Office at 308-928‑2242 OR if after hours call the City's Emergency Number at 308-920-1047.
 

If an emergency - Call 911 or the Sheriff's Office at 308-928-2147 immediately!
 
Alma Utilities will dispatch a crew with leak detection equipment. There is no charge for this service. The safety of the resident is paramount. Report any possible leaks immediately, do not wait until our regular business hours. If you suspect a leak, notify everyone on the premises. Leave the dwelling and call from another location. Do not turn on lights, do not strike a match to “see” the leak. The smallest spark, even from a light switch being turned on, can have a catastrophic result. Alma Utilities will check for leaks on the main service and the customer’s piping with no charge to the customer. Alma Utilities owns the meter and regulator.
 
If a leak is found on a customer piping the customer should hire a heating contractor (plumber) to fix the leak. The customer is responsible for all leaks and/or repairs done on house piping including service line to house, from property line.
 
Meter Changes
 
Alma Utilities replaces gas meters periodically, as needed. There is no charge for this service.
 
Conserving Natural Gas
 
One of the best, and easiest, ways to conserve natural gas is by making sure the filter of a gas furnace is regularly checked, cleaned and/or replaced. Before and during the heating season, check the condition of the filter. A dirty filter requires the unit to run longer and harder in order to provide the amount of comfort that you desire.
 
Lighting/Extinguishing Pilot Lights
 
Alma Utilities will light or extinguish your pilot light at no charge to its customers one time per season as a courtesy. However, if it becomes obvious the customer's appliance is faulty and needs repair, Alma Utilities will advise customer to have repairs made prior to relighting appliance.

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