As you may already know, the RWD Board has been focused on trying to find out how we might get more water out of our wells, as well as how to better use the water we already have. This has been communicated numerous times, and our capital improvements last year to upgrade well pump controls are meeting the desired outcome.
On average, the district invoices between 135,000 – 145,000 gallons/month. The pumps produce 165,000- 195,000 gallons/month, which means the average system loss per month is around 30,000 gallons. That is quite high, and obviously not a desirable amount. We are now turning our attention to find the missing gallons of water.
For background, when RWD was formed in the 1970’s, each home was connected to the water main and a water meter was placed in the home to measure monthly water usage. Many of those original water meters are still in place, and have likely deteriorated over time such that they are no longer in calibration, meaning they likely underreport the actual gallons of water used. The Board thought about requiring everyone to replace their water meter, which could easily run over $500/home. The old analog Badger meters which most of the houses have are not available. Most new water meters are digital and are more reliable than the old meters.
After much study, the Board has decided on a new water meter and configuration which will be implemented for all patrons, paid for out of the capital budget funds. Each property will have a new meter installed, but instead of being in the house, the meter will be located near the property line and buried 7-8 feet deep in accessible pits. This configuration allows us to address the water leaks that can occur in the water line between the property boundary and the house. Those water lines are subject to leaks primarily because the piping used when the homes were built is less robust than new piping. Most patrons probably don’t know what type of pipe is used to tie their home into the water main. The homeowner is responsible for any necessary repairs to the water line that ties their home into the water main. With the new meters now located near the property line, it will be easier to determine if there are leaks in the residential water feed line.
In the past year, we have located all but 9 curb stops are patron residences. The location of these is very important when we have a leak, so that we can isolate where it is by turning off various valves. When the leaks happen in winter, it is very difficult to find the old style curb stops, and we appreciate that many of you have marked them so they are easier to locate when there is snow on the ground. With the new water meters, we will place a 4×4 wooden post near the new meter pits, which will also have the new remote readout attached to the pole. This will readily facilitate the monthly meter reading because most of these will be near the property line.
We are starting with the oldest homes and working our way to the newer homes. Per Teller County records, here are the number of houses built per year in the district:
1972 – 2 1981 – 2 1996 – 2 2012 – 1
1973 – 7 1982 – 1 1998 – 1 2016 – 1
1974 – 1 1985 – 4 2000 – 2 2019 – 1
1975 – 1 1986 – 1 2001 – 3
1976 – 2 1987 – 1 2003 – 1 60 homes total
1977 – 5 1988 – 1 2004 – 1
1978 – 5 1993 – 2 2005 – 1
1979 – 3 1994 – 2 2006 – 1
1980 – 2 1995 – 2 2008 – 1
We have begun installing the first meter pits on five older homes on lower Ponderosa Lane. We expect to do an additional twelve meter pits beginning in August. Pending budget restraints, we hope to fully convert all residences within the next few years. This year we applied for available grant dollars via the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment to expedite this process, but were not awarded any funding.
Water service is typically disrupted for only an hour at each residence during installation. There is no need to do anything as a homeowner, and the Board will give you notice prior to any work being done at your residence. Also note, you do not have to remove your current water meter.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, 719-687-9718, or ridgewoodh2o@gmail.com.