IOWA — This year’s precipitation totals have changed significantly, from a large surplus of precipitation that ended a nearly four-year drought to one of the driest falls on record.

This allowed drought conditions to cover the vast majority of the state.

Drought impacts many aspects of life, but a somewhat hidden burden is placed on water infrastructure.

Besides reducing water flows, when soil moisture begins to drop, it begins to shrink and compact. It is also what causes distinctive cracks in the soil during times of drought.

But this causes the ground to shift, putting significant pressure on the underground pipes and causing them to rupture. This is similar to the process that causes potholes to form.

However, when dry ground conditions persist during cold months, household water pipes are at risk due to frost depth.

The drier the soil, the larger the pores, allowing frost, cold, to penetrate deeper into the soil. It depends not only on soil moisture, but also on soil type. So clay generally holds more water. It generally freezes less easily than sandy material,” said Roy Hesemann, utilities director for the city of Cedar Rapids.

So how worried should you be this year?

Compared to recent years, the region is a little drier as the winter season approaches. However, things are looking better than last winter.

The best way to protect water lines is to do what you would normally do during the winter months, such as turning off and disconnecting exterior faucets and pipes, insulating interior pipes, especially in unheated areas, and let water flow slowly through your pipes by running the faucets farthest from the street at all times.

For more ideas on how to protect your pipes this winter, the City of Cedar Rapids has a list of tips.