Frequently Asked Questions
Using Wells for Irrigation
Q. There is a well on my property and I would like to use the well for irrigation. What must be done in order to use the well?
A. Because there is a possibility of a cross connection between the well and treated water systems that could result in the contamination of the treated water supply, an approved Denver Water RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) backflow prevention device [device] must be installed on the treated water service line, the device must be certified as working and a Dual Water Supply Agreement for the property must be signed by the property owner. Once all this has been done, Denver Water will issue a Well Permit Sign for posting at the property, and the well can then be used for irrigation as so desired by the property owner.
Q. Why does Denver Water have an Operating Rule on Cross Connections and backflow devices?
A. Two reasons, the Colorado State Health Department required that all purveyors of treated water have a Cross Connection Policy, and Denver Water allows no commingling of its water. Should commingling occur, the water is isolated from the water system. Denver Water’s Cross Connection Rule and Policy is detailed in Chapter 10 of the Denver Board of Water Commissioners Operating Rules.
Q. Denver Water’s Operating Rule on Cross Connections was adopted in the 1990’s, does this Rule pertain to my property which has had a well on it prior to the Operating Rule being adopted?
A. Yes, Denver Water’s Operating Rule on Cross Connections does apply to your property regardless of the date that the Rule was adopted. Whenever it is determined by Denver Water that there is a well on a property, the treated water supply must be protected with a device approved by Denver Water and installed on the treated water service line. The installation of the device is to be completed within 90-days of the notice being issued to the customer.
Q. Once it has been determined by Denver Water that there is a well on a property, what will happen if an approved device is not installed, tested and a Dual Water Supply Agreement signed for the property?
A. Denver Water will give the property owner written notice of non compliance and if the notice is ignored, Denver Water, in accordance with its Operating Rules and the Water Supply License that was issued for the property, can interrupt water service at the property until it has complied with the notice.
Q. Who can install the device, who tests and certifies the device and what are the costs?
A. The device must be installed by a Licensed Plumber and tested annually by a State Certified Backflow Technician. The cost of the device, its installation, and the annual testing of the device varies, and will depend on what must be done to install the device and who tests the device. Information on who installs and tests the device can be obtained from the Yellow Pages. The device is installed at the owner’s expense. The property owner is encouraged to shop around and compare prices.
Q. Denver Water install, test and certify the device?
A. No, at this time Denver Water does not have the personnel to do this work.
Q. Where is the device installed?
A. The device is installed downstream [house side] of the meter pit either inside the house in the basement with a drain as the service line comes through the wall/foundation, or outside the house in a Hotbox to prevent freezing of the device. The Hotbox would be located downstream [house side] of the meter pit. A Hotbox requires electricity to generate the heat needed to prevent the device from freezing. An outside setting of the device is generally more expensive then an inside setting.
Q. Can the device be installed in the meter pit?
A. No, the device spills water when it is operating that would flood the meter pit and could cause the device to freeze. The water from the device must be delivered to a drain or to daylight.
Q. If the well is dry, abandoned or inactive does a device have to be installed?
A. No, a device does not have to be installed, but the well site must be inspected by Denver Water’s Quality Control Lab, and the Lab will determine if the well is dry, abandoned or inactive. In order for Denver Water to consider a well inactive, the pump motor for the well must be removed from the well site, and the electrical wires for the pump motor cut off. This is a minimum.
Q. Who is responsible for the enforcement of the Cross Connection Program?
A.
Denver Water’s Water Quality Control Lab, Robert
Stevens, Backflow Prevention Officer
Denver Water Quality Lab
6100 West Quincy Avenue
Denver, CO 80235-3009
E-mail: backflow@denverwater.org
Information on Denver Water’s backflow prevention program, requirements and the approved devices.
Operating Rule for drought response regarding use of water not controlled or provided by Denver Water.