In this issue
Your rates at work: Crews stayed busy in 2011 with pipe projects
One of Denver Water’s most important responsibilities is to deliver you high-quality water, day or night.
We’re aggressive about replacing and rehabilitating pipes and conduits, some of which are more than a century old.
We replace or rehabilitate pipes and conduits for a variety of reasons, including repairing or avoiding main breaks, replacing corroded pipe, alleviating water quality problems, increasing fire hydrant flow, and improving overall water delivery.
With more than 3,000 miles of pipe in our system, replacing and rehabilitating them is a never-ending job, and one we cannot overlook.
In 2011, we spent more than $11.3 million on:
- Replacing, repairing or installing more than 17,300 feet of treated-water conduit, which are pipes that are 24-inches in diameter or greater. Conduits form the backbone of Denver Water’s treated water distribution system.
- Replacing more than 55,000 feet of pipe.
- Rehabilitating about 50,000 feet of pipe.
You deserve a giant thank you
Dear Denver Water Customers,
Your impressive conservation efforts are helping us build a secure water future.
For years, Denver Water has focused on three ways to ensure future generations will have enough water: conserve, recycle and enhance supply. We’re working on projects that will secure new water supply, and we’ve been expanding our recycled water system since it began in 2004. You’re helping a tremendous amount with our third goal, conservation, by continuing to heed our rallying cry: Use Only What You Need.
Customers are using about 20 percent less water than they were before the 2002 drought. That’s roughly 18 billion gallons less water each year. And you keep getting better at it. During the 2011 irrigation season, customers used about 1.5 billion gallons less than their post-drought average.
Thanks for such a remarkable conservation effort, and for being such conscientious consumers. By using water wisely in our dry state, you help ensure that we’ll have enough water for future generations.
Sincerely,
Jim Lochhead
New Year's Resolution: Make bill paying easier and greener
Automatic Pay Plan — free
- Your water bill payment will automatically be withdrawn from your bank account.
- Never worry about the due date again.
- Enroll online.
E-Bills — free
- Ready to go paperless? Sign up to receive your water bills via email and securely pay online.
- Use our Auto Pay Plan and E-bill service together. After you have enrolled in our Automatic Pay Plan, click on E-bill and send Denver Water your email address. Your next water bill will be emailed to you, saving paper with each bill.
Web Pay — free
- Visit our website each time you want to make an online payment. This option is useful for last-minute payments, but it is not available for delinquent accounts.
Pay by Text — free
- Pay your bill with a text message. After you sign up, you’ll receive a text alert five days before your bill is due every month. Simply reply “YES H2O” to pay — no personal information is sent via text message.
- Denver Water does not charge a service fee for this option, but text messaging and data rates from your mobile phone provider may apply.
Colorado Water 2012: A yearlong celebration of water
Celebrate Colorado Water 2012 by learning about the importance of our water resources.
Colorado Water 2012 is a 12-month project to engage Coloradans in a celebration of water. More than 250 organizations from across the state are participating.
One way to get started on the project is by reading books about water written by Colorado authors.
Throughout the year, you will be able to listen to and interact with these authors through webinars, interviews and appearances in Colorado.
Avoid plumbing problems with these cold-weather tips
Know the location of your water shut-off switch and test it regularly.- If you haven’t already, turn off and drain automatic and manual sprinkler systems. The freezing and thawing of water in the system can create cracks and weak spots, triggering silent underground leaks or mini-geysers.
- Turn off outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses from them.
- Winterize unheated or vacant buildings.
- Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold or have caused problems before.
During a deep freeze (-5 degrees and below):
- Open cabinet doors leading to exposed pipes (such as access doors for sinks) so that household air can warm them.
- If you have an attached garage, keep its doors shut.
- Crack a faucet farthest from the place where your water enters the house. A very slow drip will keep water molecules moving, reducing the chance that pipes will freeze. Place a bucket underneath the faucet so the water can be saved for other household uses.
- Keep your thermostat set above 65 degrees when leaving your house or business for several days.
- Take heed of these other cold-weather tips.