BANCROFT-CLOVER WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT
900 South Wadsworth Boulevard
Lakewood, Colorado 80226-4306
(303) 922-1113
NEWSLETTER
December 2009 Editor: David Irish
General Manager 303-922-1113
2010 Proposed Budget Reflects No Water Rate Increase
Bancroft-Clover Water and Sanitation District’s Board of Directors will consider a draft Budget for 2010 that will contain no increase for customers on their water rates and a 5% increase on sewer rates that will cost single family customers $0.69 additionally per month or $8.28 per year. The District continues to look for ways to reduce costs while maintaining a very high level of service. Bancroft-Clover is a Denver Water Master Meter Distributor and the rates did not increase from Denver Water for 2010. Denver Water is planning $1.3 billion of capital expenditures in the next 10 years which will translate into rate increases in the future for Bancroft customers. With this money Denver Water is planning more than 300 projects including a $12 million project that will begin in 2010 to upgrade the Marston Treatment plant that was originally put into service in 1924. Additional information regarding the Denver Water projects can be found at www.denverwater.org.
The sanitary sewer flows generated by District customers are treated by Metro Wastewater Reclamation District by contract with Bancroft-Clover Water and Sanitation District. Bancroft-Clover has not recovered all of the cost increases incurred in the last five years due to the large rate increases that would have been required to Bancroft customers. This year the costs from Metro go down slightly and the small proposed monthly sewer increase to single family homes of $0.69 per month will bring revenues to match proposed expenditures. The Metro Wastewater Reclamation District is also planning over $1 billion of capital expenditures in the next ten years. Information regarding the Metro District can be found at www.metrowastewater.com.
Denver Water Eliminates Rebates for Low Flow Toilets
The Denver Water Department is eliminating the rebate for low flow toilets as of Dec. 31, 2009. The rebates for High Efficiency Toilets are still in effect as well as for the purchase of many other water saving devices. See the water conservation section of Denver Water’s web site www.denverwater.org for all the details and eligible model numbers.
District Office Upgrades Complete
Following a security review performed by a consultant the District’s main entrance and waiting area have been redesigned to make it both more comfortable and more secure for customers and employees. The addition of glass enclosures around the front desk, additional video and audio surveillance, an electronic door control system throughout the building as well as a secure interior door that also reduces energy costs completed the project.
Maintenance Programs Wrapped Up for 2009
Bancroft-Clover Water and Sanitation District field crews performed 2000 valve inspections during the year. Each inspection consists of the operation of the valve, a visual inspection of the valve box and area, and documentation of the inspection for District records. All fire hydrants in the District service area are also inspected on an annual basis. The fire hydrant inspections include the operation of the hydrant to ensure the proper water flow and to check for possible damage that occurred during the winter. Also water quality tests are performed and the entire inspection is documented for District records. Valve and fire hydrant inspection reports are also input into the District’s GIS system. This system contains electronic information regarding all District facilities and is a great tool for District employees and consultants.
Fire Hydrants Get a New Coat of Paint!
Approximately one third of the District’s fire hydrants (450) received a new coat of red paint this summer. The regular painting of fire hydrants is essential in the location of the hydrants in an emergency situation by West Metro Fire personnel. All hydrants are also identified with a numbered tag that specifies the location and is used for maintenance records. If you see a damaged fire hydrant or possible unauthorized uses call the District office at 303-922-1113.
Emergency Crews Available 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week
In the event of a water service or sewer related emergency after hours the Bancroft-Clover Water and Sanitation District field crews are available to assist any time of the day or night. The office phone number (303-922-1113) is also the emergency after hour’s number. A message will be sent to on call personnel and they will respond within a few minutes. Please call in the event of any sewer backups and the field crews will determine if the blockage is in the service line or in the main line. Early notification and detection can save damage that is caused by sewer backups into residences or businesses.