Change Watering Times for Late Summer/Fall!
It is that time of year that home and business owners can reduce the amount of time watered in each sprinkler zone or area. The days are getting shorter and less hot and the requirement for water is not as great as in July and August. Many home and business owners set the timing of their irrigation system to keep the turf green in the middle of summer and then not adjust it for the late season. If adjustments are made every month in the amount of water applied to lawns significant savings can be realized at the end if the irrigation season. Examples of watering times can be seen on www.denverwater.org and click on 2007 Summer Water Use Plan. Customers may now water during the day! The 10 AM to 6 PM watering restriction has ended on August 31, 2007. The District would like to thank all customers for their participation and cooperation in the 2007 Watering Program. Please continue to use water efficiently as we go into the fall and winter!
Why Does the District Flush Water Out of Fire Hydrants?
District office personnel sometimes receive calls from customers questioning why our field crews seem to be wasting water flushing out of fire hydrants and dead end valves. During the year iron and other minerals can accumulate in the water lines. Yearly flushing ensures that the water quality remains excellent for all customers. Water systems are designed for the high demands of fire fighting. During periods of reduced usage the water is not moving very fast in the lines. It is in these times that accumulations in the water lines could make the water discolored and make the water not taste as fresh. Also, during the winter it is always possible that fire hydrants may have been damaged by ice or vehicles. Operation of the fire hydrants by the field crews will ensure that the hydrants will be in good working order in case, West Metro Fire needs to utilize them in an emergency.
District Planning for 2008 Capital Projects
The District together with consulting engineers Merrick and Company are preparing for 2008 Capital Projects. In 2008 the District will be replacing 4-inch water lines that were originally installed in the 1950’s. These lines have served the community well, however, are now too small to efficiently feed modern fire fighting equipment. The lines will be replaced with 6, 8, and 12 inch water lines. There will be public meetings to answer questions of affected home or business owners. Please watch your mail in the spring of 2008 for notices of upcoming projects and meetings in your area. The replacement of the lines in 2008 will be the third year of a five year program to eliminate all 4-inch lines in the District. This program is an excellent example of proactive infrastructure replacement and of the Districts commitment to reinvest in the water system to ensure excellent operation for many years to come.