December 2007

Board of Directors Adopt 2008 Budget

The Bancroft-Clover Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors adopted the 2008 District Budget of $11,303,395 at the regular Board meeting in November. The budget contains increases for inflation and a capital projects budget of $2,852,800. The Capital Improvement Plan for 2008 includes the continuing replacement of the 4-inch water lines in the District, a project to improve the District’s in ground pumping stations and a joint effort with Denver Water to improve the water pressure in areas of the District that will also allow the District to abandon a pumping station resulting in the savings of millions of dollars for Bancroft over the next forty years. The 2008 Capital Improvement Plan also includes the scheduled replacement of five older fire hydrants, funds for mapping District facilities and the continued work on a GIS system to greatly enhance the ability of District staff and consultants to manage District facilities.

Bancroft-Clover Teams Up With Denver Water to Increase Pressure in Areas of District

A newly signed Intergovernmental Agreement between Denver Water and the District will increase pressure to the south east portion of the District and will also allow for areas in Bancroft that now experience low pressure in the winter to have the same pressure year round. Bancroft-Clover Water and Sanitation District and Denver Water will need to make several system changes and upgrades prior to the pressure increase. The project should allow for the pressure increase to occur in late 2008 or early 2009.

District customers that will be affected by increased pressure will be notified and will be provided specific information regarding their home or business. If you have any questions or if you would like detailed information please call the District office at 303-922-1113 or email from the District’s web site www.bancroft-clover.com under the “Contact Us” tab and provide your specific address.

Landscapes Could Need Water if Dry Fall Continues

The dry fall we have experienced could take a toll on landscapes in the spring if some winter watering is not done. If there is not any significant moisture in the next few weeks it is recommended that trees, shrubs, and even turf areas are provided some water to avoid problems. Watering each area 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a month will help to keep landscapes healthy. Customers with sprinkler systems that drain well can turn on the system to water then turn it off again with not much difficulty. Customers that have their system blown out with compressed air should just get out the garden hoses and water when the temperature is 50 degrees or more. Be sure to re-winterize the sprinkler systems and disconnect the garden hoses from the house to avoid problems.

Take Precautions if Temperature is Below Zero

When the temperature is going to be below zero home and business owners can take precautions that will greatly reduce the chances of a water pipe freezing. First of all find and label your water shut off valve in case of emergencies. A problem may occur when friends or relatives are in the home. If there are water pipes that are inside a cabinet and on outside walls customers should leave the cabinets open to allow for warm air to circulate in that area to keep the pipes from freezing. Also a faucet farthest away from where the water enters the home can be left dripping slightly to avoid freezing. The small amount of water used could save a big headache and expense if the water lines freeze and break. If a home or business will be vacant for several days during a cold snap keep the thermostats setting at 65degrees or higher.

If a water pipe is frozen use caution to warm the line to avoid breaking. Before attempting to get the piping to thaw turn off the water shut off valve in the basement to avoid a rush of water if the line does break. Warm the pipe with a hair dryer not a torch! Warming the line too fast can also cause it to break. Call a plumber for assistance if you are not comfortable with the process.

Join the ACH Program and Save Postage and Late Fees for 2008

Join over 1000 customers on the Districts ACH Program and save stamps as well as never get a late fee! Customers will be mailed bills with plenty of time to ask questions before the date of payment. If there are not any questions with your monthly bill, the District will handle the rest. Contact the District office by phone or email from our web site for additional information or to obtain a form to get set up on the very successful program.