Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District

News Archives

District News Articles
4/13/2012
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL TAKE-BACK DAY (APRIL 28, 2012)

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Sunday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Read more

District News Articles
4/6/2012
USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED IN THIS WARM, DRY WEATHER

A relatively dry winter across Colorado and recent wildfires have some people asking about the water outlook for the summer. “Spring in Colorado can be unpredictable, so it’s too early to say what our water outlook will be,” said Sally Covington, director of public affairs for Denver Water. “But we are concerned about how dry it’s been.” As a result, Denver Water and Platte Canyon is asking customers to use only what they need as we move into spring. “Customers’ continued conservation habits have made a huge difference in our water supply,” said Covington. While Denver Water’s reservoir storage currently is above normal for this time of year due to 2011’s wet conditions and customers’ continued conservation habits, the utility asks customers to be mindful of the impact of dryness on supply availability Read more

District News Articles
3/30/2012
WATERTON CANYON THREE-WEEK CLOSURE

Waterton Canyon will be closed for three weeks beginning at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, for a Denver Water contractor to remove its 75-ton dredge and other equipment from Strontia Springs Reservoir. The canyon will reopen Monday, April 23, at 7 a.m. Waterton Canyon reopened March 1, 2012, after being closed since August 2010 for a contractor to dredge Strontia Springs Reservoir. This three-week closure was announced earlier this year, and is the final phase in demobilizing the project, which was needed in the aftermath of the Buffalo Creek and Hayman fires. Read more

District News Articles
3/23/2012
PLATTE CANYON CANCELS ELECTION

Platte Canyon has cancelled the regular Board of Directors Election scheduled for May 12, 2012. Colorado Statutes provide for District elections to be cancelled if there is only one candidate for each available position on the Board of Directors, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be a write-in candidate. As a result of the cancellation, William D. Buckner and Richard C. Eckert were declared elected to four year terms ending in May 2016. Mr. Buckner will be serving his first term on the Board while Mr. Eckert has served as a director since 2002. Read more

District News Articles
3/16/2012
THE SKINNY ON FAT-FREE SEWERS

Fats, Oils, and Greases aren’t just bad for your arteries and your waistline; they are bad for sewer pipes as well. Sewer backups and overflows can cause health hazards, damage home interiors, and threaten the environment. An increasingly common cause of sewer overflows is pipes blocked with grease. Grease and other non-soluble substances get into the sewer from household drains as well as poorly maintained grease traps in restaurants and other businesses. Read more

District News Articles
3/9/2012
WORLD WATER DAY 2012: WATER AND FOOD SECURITY

World Water Day takes place annually on 22 March. It focuses the attention of the world on the importance of freshwater resources in our lives. In 2012, the theme is "Water and Food Security" and it is coordinated by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on behalf of UN-Water. Read more

District News Articles
3/9/2012
GARDEN-IN-A-BOX: XERISCAPE MADE EASY

The Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC) is ready to make xeriscape gardening fun and simple with the launch of its annual Garden-In-A-Box sale for 2012. Garden-In-A-Box are professionally designed, plant by numbers xeriscape gardens. They make basic xeriscaping easy, affordable and convenient. In 2011, for the first time ever, gardens are available to all residents of Platte Canyon. The CRC’s water division works to provide easy solutions to helping Colorado residents conserve water. Over half of residential water use is used to water landscapes. As Colorado’s population grows and water supplies become more stressed, xeriscaping will continue to be a key way for homeowners to save water. Garden-In-A-Box makes this easy. Read more

District News Articles
3/2/2012
BEAT THE LEAK: CHECK. TWIST. REPLACE - FIX A LEAK WEEK (MARCH 12-18)

Drip…drip…drip…drip… How long have you been ignoring that pitter patter coming from the shower? How about the leaky spigot on the side of the house, or that running toilet? You might as well be pouring money down the drain! Fixing easily corrected household water leaks like these can save customers more than 10 percent on their water bills--and a precious natural resource. Read more

District News Articles
2/24/2012
SAVE A HEAP LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP!

Do you have a landscape watering system with preset controls? Experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of water applied by irrigation systems is wasted due to overwatering caused by inefficiencies! Leap Day, February 29, is a great time to stop and use a few of those extra minutes to check your irrigation system’s control settings and schedules. Read more

District News Articles
2/24/2012
WATERTON CANYON TO REOPEN MARCH 1 2012 (WEATHER PERMITTING)

Waterton Canyon will reopen March 1, 2012, weather-permitting. In the aftermath of the Buffalo Creek and Hayman fires, intense rains caused massive sediment to build up in Strontia Springs Reservoir, a key water supply source for the Denver-metro area located at the top of Waterton Canyon. As a result, Waterton Canyon, located southwest of Denver, was closed to public access in August 2010 for a Denver Water contractor to dredge the reservoir. The canyon was scheduled to reopen at the end of 2011. Project demobilization, however, is still underway. In the interest of public safety, Waterton Canyon will reopen March 1, 2012, weather-permitting, after the majority of heavy machinery and equipment is demobilized. Read more

District News Articles
2/17/2012
OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE PRESIDENT’S DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the President’s Day holiday, our office will be closed February 20th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5. We will reopen for normal business on February 21st at 8:00 a.m. Read more

District News Articles
2/17/2012
COLORADO SPRINGS GETS THE FIRST WATERSENSE LABELED NEW HOME IN THE STATE

From the Colorado River to the Rocky Mountains, the state of Colorado is known for its gorgeous scenery and emphasis on living “green.” What better place for a home that has not only earned the WaterSense label, but is ENERGY STAR© qualified and received the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED© Gold certification! WaterSense builder partner GJ Gardner Northgate recently completed the first WaterSense labeled new home in the Gold Hill Mesa area of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Not only is this home, known as "Ascension," certified to be 20 percent more water-efficient than a typical new home, but it is also at least 20 percent more energy-efficient and contains a number of other sustainable features that allowed it to earn LEED Gold certification. Read more

District News Articles
2/10/2012
IT’S WINTER. WHERE’S YOUR WATER GOING?

In most areas of the country, winter is a great time to check for leaks in and around your home. If the mercury is dropping, so should your water use. But if your water use is high in winter, you may have a leak in your home. Easy-to-fix leaks in homes across the country add up to more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in the United States, and could be adding 10 percent to your water bill. Here is a simple checklist for monitoring household water use for leaks in wintry weather. Read more

District News Articles
2/10/2012
WATER MAIN FLUSHING BEGINS

One way the District helps to preserve water quality in its distribution system is to periodically flush water from fire hydrants and dead-end water mains. Reasons for performing this maintenance procedure include: Read more

District News Articles
2/3/2012
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, REMEMBER THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

There’s another “bowl” to check out on Super Bowl Sunday. Platte Canyon continues the tradition Denver Water started in 2005, urging customers to check their toilet bowls for leaks on Super Bowl Sunday. Turn those Super Bowl bathroom visits into a profitable situation with Denver Water’s special incentive that makes that “up close and personal” encounter with the porcelain throne a more attractive prospect: cash money. Read more

District News Articles
1/27/2012
WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM CONTINUES IN 2012 BUT WITH CHANGES

Denver Water Department's Residential Rebate Program for Platte Canyon customers who replace water guzzling fixtures and equipment with water efficient models will continue throughout this year. Customers should check rebate details before making purchases. Not all toilets or clothes washers qualify for a rebate, but all “WaterSense” labeled toilets are covered. Read more

District News Articles
1/20/2012
CELEBRATE WATER 2012 CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF

The “Celebrate Colorado Water 2012” Campaign kicks off next week at the Colorado Water Congress’ annual convention (January 25-27, 2012). What once started as a small celebration to commemorate the major anniversaries of some of Colorado’s most important water organizations and legislation quickly spiraled into a statewide water awareness campaign called Colorado Water 2012. Read more

District News Articles
1/13/2012
SUSTAINABILITY STARTS AT YOUR SINK: POLLUTION PREVENTION STARTS WITH YOU

Did you know the average household contains between three and ten gallons of materials that are hazardous to human health or to the natural environment? There are obvious things, such as paint thinner, car batteries and cleaners; but beyond clearly hazardous materials, substances such as polishes, greases and even prescription medicines and personal care products can affect the environment if disposed of improperly. Every time someone dumps a can of paint thinner down the sink, flushes medicine down the toilet or throws an old car battery out with the trash, they can impact our water quality – and it doesn’t have to happen. You can prevent pollution before it starts through proper disposal, educated product choices, and the desire to contribute to sustainability or the continued environmental health of our planet. Read more

District News Articles
1/13/2012
OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the Martin Luther King day holiday, our office will be closed January 16th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5. We will reopen for normal business on January 17th at 8:00 a.m. Read more

District News Articles
1/6/2012
COLORADO'S VETERAN SNOW SURVEY CHIEF FINDS SNOWPACK SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW AVERAGE UPON FIRST SNOWPACK READING OF THE SEASON - BUT DON’T PANIC

On his last day on the job, Colorado's veteran snow survey chief found snowpack significantly below average. Mike Gillespie, the snow survey supervisor for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Colorado, has visited this particular measurement site along U.S. 40 just below the Berthoud Pass summit at the same time each year for 28 years to measure the snowpack. In his first year, when snow piled up twice as much as normal, it took a heroic effort just to climb the 200 yards to the measurement site. On this visit, it took about five minutes. The first manual snow sampling of the season on December 29, 2011 confirmed what automated sensors have been suggesting for weeks: The water available in Colorado's snowpack is significantly below average. Read more

District News Articles
12/30/2011
2012 BUDGET APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has adopted a 2012 budget calling for total revenue from all sources is projected to be $2,521.020 in 2012. Total expenditures are budgeted at $3,287,115; 43.4 percent more than budgeted in 2011. General fund expenditures are budgeted at $1,964,403; 4.0 percent more than 2011 budgeted expenses amounting to $1,816,124. Capital expenses for 2012 are budgeted at $1,322,712; 227.6 percent more than budgeted in 2011. Beginning funds available in 2012 are estimated to be $10,232,755. The reserve fund balance is projected to decrease $766,095 to $9,466,660 at year end 2012. The general operations mill levy for Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District in 2012 (tax year 2011) is proposed to remain the same as the levy certified in tax years 2005 through 2011; 7.104 mills. There are no abatements and refunds for Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties in tax year 2010. The total mill levy proposed for certification is 7.104 as compared with a mill levy of 7.114 assessed in tax year 2010. The total mill levy to be assessed upon all property located within the Platte Canyon District is 7.104 mills or $7.104 for each $1,000 of assessed value. Read more

District News Articles
12/30/2011
DISTRICT CAPITAL MASTER PLAN FOR 2012 - 2021 APPROVED

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors recently approved a Capital Master Plan for 2012 - 2021. The purpose of the master plan is to itemize, prioritize and schedule water and wastewater facility expansion, rehabilitation and replacement projects and vehicle purchases to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of budgeting and cash flow analysis. The Plan enables the District to be pro-active in confronting water and sewer system modifications and rehabilitation. The 2012 -2021 Capital Master Plan proposes expenditure of $1,133,573 in 2012, and $4,031,415 during the ten year period extending from 2012 to 2021. This compares with last year’s master plan projected expenditures for 2012 amounting to $318,308 and ten year period expenditures totaling $3,003,704. Water facility replacement projects account for 32 percent of the total proposed expenditures while sewer rehabilitation expenses and vehicle and equipment purchases account for 30 percent and 38 percent respectively. Read more

District News Articles
12/22/2011
OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

Happy Holidays! In observance of the Christmas holiday, our office will be closed December 23rd and 26th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5. We will reopen for normal business on December 27th at 8:00 a.m. The Board of Directors and staff of Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District would like to wish our customers a Happy Holiday season. Read more

District News Articles
12/16/2011
BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2012

The Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District and Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Subdistrict No. 1 and No. 2 Board of Directors have established the following schedule for Board meetings in 2012: Read more

District News Articles
12/9/2011
RESPONDING TO CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS SOMETIMES REQUIRES DETECTIVE WORK

Each year District staff responds to hundreds of customer service requests that are related to water and wastewater service problems. A majority of customer complaints are resolved easily and in a timely manner, however, there are certain complaints that require staff to perform detective work to resolve an issue since some complaints can have several possible causes. A few examples of these elusive service problems are listed Read more

District News Articles
12/2/2011
PLATTE CANYON SPONSORS CONTINUING WATER EDUCATION IN DISTRICT SCHOOLS

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District has teamed up with the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow network (CoCoRaHS) to sponsor its “Rain Gauge at Every School” program. CoCoRaHS is a national grassroots, non-profit, community-based, high-density precipitation network made up of volunteers of all backgrounds and ages who take daily measurements of precipitation in their backyards/schools and report their data to the CoCoRaHS network. Read more

District News Articles
12/2/2011
TROUBLE WITH YOUR SEWER SERVICE?

Don’t get caught paying for major repair of your sewer service line when it may not be necessary. When you have a sewer backup in your home, the first thing you think about is how do I make sure this doesn’t happen again. Many sewer service companies are telling customers that the only way to avoid this is to have the sewer service line completely replaced. This is a very expensive solution that can end up costing many thousands of dollars. Many times a total replacement of the service line is not necessary. Here are some recommended steps to take if you experience sewer service trouble and before considering having the service line replaced: Read more

District News Articles
11/23/2011
OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

In observance of the holiday, our office will be closed November 24th and 25th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5. Read more

District News Articles
11/18/2011
EMERGENCY CONTACT REMINDER

To report problems with water service, sewer service, or possible water leaks, please contact Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District at 303-979-2333. After hours emergency calls are automatically directed to a maintenance operations employee who will promptly return your call. Read more

District News Articles
11/18/2011
WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT? EMAIL UPDATE SERVICE AVAILABLE

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District offers a free service that will automatically keep you notified when specific areas of our website are updated. These areas include: News Articles, News Letters, Board Meeting Agendas, Board Meeting Minutes, District Projects, and Water and Sanitary Sewer Specifications. Here’s how it works: Read more

District News Articles
11/10/2011
OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the Veteran's Day holiday, our office will be closed November 11th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5. We will reopen for normal business on November 14th at 8:00 a.m. Read more

District News Articles
11/4/2011
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

A draft budget for 2012 and ten year capital plan for 2012 - 2021 have been submitted to the Platte Canyon Board of Directors for review. A copy of each of these important documents is available for citizen’s review at the District’s office at 8739 W. Coal Mine Ave., Littleton, CO. A public hearing on the draft budget is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Friday November 18, 2011 at the District office. Once the budget and capital plan are approved by the Board of Directors, they will be posted on the District’s web site Read more

District News Articles
10/21/2011
DISTRICT COMPLETES SEWER REPAIR IN BOWLES AVE.

Several weeks ago Platte Canyon maintenance crews discovered a large obstruction in the District’s primary outfall sewer pipe in W. Bowles Ave. between S. Lowell Blvd (Platte Canyon Rd.) and S. Middlefield Rd. It was determined that the only way to remove the obstruction was to excavate and remove a portion of the 24-inch concrete pipe. Due to the very heavy volume of traffic using Bowles Ave., the District worked extensively with other utility owners and the City of Littleton to minimize traffic disruption and the impact on local businesses. The plan called for working constantly over a three day period including a Saturday and Sunday when traffic volumes are lower. ENS Consulting, LLC designed the project for the District and Brannon Construction was retained to conduct the construction work. Read more

District News Articles
10/14/2011
DENVER WATER RATE INCREASE SHIFTS COSTS TO SUBURBAN CUSTOMERS

The Denver Board of Water Commissioners adopted a 5.5% rate increase for 2012 for all customers of Denver Water. What is different about the decision this year is that the Board ignored the comprehensive rate model used for over twenty years and allocated additional revenue needs to all categories of customers irrespective of their proportion of costs. Southwest Metropolitan and other distributors strenuously opposed the rate increase for its unfair distribution of costs. According to the historical rate model Platte Canyon customers should have received no increase in rates for 2012. Read more

District News Articles
10/14/2011
SANITARY SEWER RATES TO RISE MODERATELY

The Littleton City Council will consider adoption of a 2% increase in sanitary sewer rates for all Littleton and connector district customers (including Platte Canyon sewer customers) on October 18, 2011. If adopted, the rates for single family residential customers will rise from $208.05 to $212.21, a $4.16 annual increase. Multi-family residential customer rates will increase from $176.84 to $180.36, $3.54 per year. Commercial customer rates will increase from $2.27 to $2.32 per 1,000 gallons of water consumption. Read more

District News Articles
10/7/2011
ROOT CUTTING ACTIVITIES BEGIN

A routine activity Platte Canyon operations personnel perform is removing roots from sanitary sewer mains. While root cutting is scheduled each month, the majority of the root cutting activities take place beginning in October Read more

District News Articles
9/30/2011
PREPARING FOR COLD WEATHER

The same natural forces that trigger cold-weather breaks in Platte Canyon’s underground water mains can cause pipes to burst in your own plumbing systems. Here are some tips to help you prepare before Colorado’s cold weather hits: Read more

District News Articles
9/23/2011
SUMMER WATERING PROGRAM ENDS OCTOBER 1ST

Fall is here and Denver Water’s summer watering program ends today. Even though the watering program deadline has arrived, Platte Canyon is still encouraging its customers to follow the restrictions that were set forth for Summer. Read more

District News Articles
9/16/2011
REMEMBER – IT’S A TOILET, NOT A TRASHCAN! SOME THINGS JUST DON’T BELONG IN THE TOILET…

Toilets are only meant for one activity, and you know what we’re talking about! When the wrong thing is flushed, results can include costly backups on your own property or problems at your local wastewater treatment plant. That’s why it is so important to treat toilets properly and flush only your personal contributions to the local wastewater treatment plant. DON’T FLUSH ANY ITEMS LIKE: Read more

District News Articles
9/9/2011
WORLD WATER MONITORING DAY IS SEPTEMBER 18TH

Have you given much thought to the quality of water around you? Perhaps not, but thousands of others throughout the world have. Each year since 2002, participants around the world have taken part in World Water Monitoring Day and the program has steadily grown to over 200,000 participants from 85 countries taking part in 2010. Coordinated by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA), this important annual outreach invites citizens throughout the world to monitor the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and other water resources anytime between March 22 (World Water Day) and December 31 and report the results on an international database. Read more

District News Articles
9/2/2011
OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, our office will be closed September 5th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5. Read more

District News Articles
8/26/2011
ARE YOU LIVING IN A FOG-gy HOME?

What is FOG? No it isn’t a cloud that has invaded your home, rather FOG or FOGs is an acronym for Fat(s), Oil, and Grease. FOG is composed of animal and vegetable fats and oils that are common in every home. It can come from many sources, including meat fats, lard, cooking oil, shortening, butter and margarine, dairy products, sauces, food scraps, and even cat litter. FOGs aren’t just bad for your arteries and your waistline; they are bad for sewer pipes as well. They can stick to the walls of the drainage pipes that carry wastewater from your home to the treatment plant if poured down a sink drain or toilet. Eventually, the entire pipe can become blocked and prevent the flow of wastewater. This causes the sanitary sewer to overflow and can cause wastewater to back up inside or outside your home. Sewer backups and overflows can cause health hazards, damage home interiors, and threaten the environment. FOG is the number one cause of public and private sewage spills. Read more

District News Articles
8/19/2011
10 REASONS TO DRINK WATER

Did you know that more than two-thirds of your body weight is water. Without adequate water your body’s biochemical and electrical (yes electrical, read on!) processes begin to break down. In other words, water is absolutely essential to your survival. A person can live for about a month without food, but only about a week without water. One of the quickest and easiest ways to improve your health and physical appearance as well as just making you feel better is to start drinking more water every day. Don’t believe us? Check out the 10 reasons below: Read more

District News Articles
8/12/2011
PREVENT POLLUTION IN RUN-OFF WATER

Water that runs off your property into streets, storm sewers and drainage ditches may eventually make its way into reservoirs and streams. As it travels, the water an pick up pollutants that can threaten clean water resources. Here are some steps you can take to reduce pollution in run-off water: Read more

District News Articles
8/5/2011
KNOW YOUR HOUSEHOLD WATER DEVICES

It is extremely important for District customers to be aware of the various water devices located inside and outside their homes. Being knowledgeable of these water devices can go a long way in preventing property damage and repair bills in a situation where bursting household and irrigation pipes is causing flooding to either a customer’s residence or a neighbor’s. Read more

District News Articles
7/29/2011
HOW TO FIND A WATER LEAK

You know you have a water leak when the drip drip drip of a leaking faucet or a running toilet keeps you up at night or you suddenly step onto a wet floor. But what if the leak is hidden from view; how do you know if it’s even there and how do you go about finding it? Usually the first clue a homeowner receives that they might have a hidden leak is when they notice an increase in their water bill. Upon inquiring about the increased water bill their water utility has suggested that they may have a water leak on their property. How do you go about finding a suspected leak that is hidden? Your water meter may be your most useful tool in identifying water leaks on your property because the meter only operates when water is flowing into your property. Follow these easy steps to check for unseen leaks: Read more

District News Articles
7/22/2011
WHAT IS THE HOMEOWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY WHEN THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH WATER OR SEWER SERVICE PIPES?

District staff are frequently asked who is responsible to repair breaks on the water and sewer service pipes--the District or the customer? These are the pipes that extend between the District’s water and sewer mains, usually located in the street, and the customer’s residence or business. Under District regulations, which are consistent with most other Colorado water and sewer service providers, the customer owns and maintains the entire water and sewer pipe up to, and including, the connection to the District’s main, regardless of whether the pipe is located in the street or on the customer’s property. As a service to customers, Read more

District News Articles
7/15/2011
SUMMER MONTHS BREED IMPERSONATORS

Denver Water and Platte Canyon is issuing a reminder to customers not to allow persons claiming to be water department employees to enter their homes without proper identification. In the past, persons claiming to be water department employees have gained access to customers’ homes on the pretext of checking for water pressure or water quality, for example. Then, they go through the homes looking for cash or valuables. Some have asked for money from customers. Read more

District News Articles
7/8/2011
CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO CONSERVE

Many of the District’s residents are active in saving paper, metals, and plastics through local recycling programs. We would encourage you to save water through simple, daily changes in your personal habits. Here are some suggestions to get you started toward conserving water: Read more

District News Articles
7/8/2011
FOOTHILLS PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT IS ASKING RESIDENTS TO GET INVOLVED!

Foothills Park & Recreation District is creating a Water Conservation Master Plan to promote sustainable use of water to maintain its parks, recreation, open space, and recreational facilities. They are inviting all Foothills residents to attend and participate in its final public meeting to be held on August 11th. During this meeting there will be a project overview, presentation of the initial design concepts, and will conclude with a facilitated discussion. Those who attend will be asked to participate and provide input on water usage and the maintenance practices of the District. Read more

District News Articles
7/1/2011
OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the Independence Day holiday, our office will be closed July 4th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5. We will reopen for normal business on July 5th at 8:00 a.m. Read more

District News Articles
6/20/2011
IT’S OFFICIAL: DENVER WATER TOP-NOTCH -- UTILITY TAKES SECOND IN NATIONAL TASTE TEST

Denver Water placed second in a taste test among water utilities across the nation at the American Water Works Association’s annual Best of the Best Water Taste in Washington, D.C. The event, composed of regional winners from water-tasting competitions across North America, was part of AWWA’s Annual Conference and Exposition. Read more

District News Articles
5/20/2011
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU FLUSH?

What exactly happens after you flush? It might be something you've never considered, or it might be a question you've never had the guts to ask. Either way, it's one of life's little curiosities: what happens to our waste after we flush the toilet, take a shower, wash clothes or wash dishes? Where does it go? Read more

District News Articles
5/11/2011
SUMMER WATERING RULES AND TIPS

Colorado’s snow-packed mountains will fill our reservoirs, but remember that we live in a semiarid climate and must use water wisely. By using only the water you need, you can help minimize impacts to reservoirs during the hottest months of summer when reservoir levels begin to drop. Below you will find watering tips and tools to help you use only what you need. Read more

District News Articles
4/29/2011
HISTORIC PROPOSED AGREEMENT HERALDS A NEW PATH FOR COLORADO WATER

Leaders from Grand, Summit and Eagle counties stood with representatives from Denver Water, the Colorado River District, the ski industry and other main stem Colorado River Basin water interests to announce a historic proposed agreement, the “Colorado River Cooperative Agreement.” This proposed agreement will change the way water is managed in Colorado. Focused on cooperation, the proposed agreement brings parties who traditionally have been at odds together as partners on a path to responsible water development benefitting both the East and West Slopes. It achieves better environmental health for the Colorado River Basin, maintains high-quality recreational use and improves economics for many cities, counties and businesses impacted by the river. The proposed agreement, which was five years in the making, will now be considered by towns, counties, and water entities from the headwaters to the Utah state line. “This cooperative effort represents a new way of doing business when it comes to water,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper at today’s announcement. “It shows that water solutions must be crafted from a statewide perspective. We hope and expect that this process will ripple across Colorado to other areas of water conflict.” Read more

District News Articles
4/8/2011
LANDSCAPING AROUND METER PITS AND FIRE HYDRANTS

Platte Canyon requires a minimum three foot “clear” radius around water meter pits to be maintained. The shut-off valve for your water service is located in the meter pit. Hiding or covering the pit makes operation and maintenance difficult and increases the likelihood of delays, additional charges on your water bill and property damage, should the water line break inside your house. makes operation and maintenance difficult and increases the likelihood of delays, additional charges on your water bill and property damage, should the water line break inside your house. Both Platte Canyon and the Littleton Fire Department require fire hydrants remain visible and accessible at all times. The District and the Fire Department must have unimpeded access to connect their hoses and equipment in routine maintenance and emergency situations. District and Fire Department regulations require that all fire hydrants be clear of bushes, fences, posts, decorative landscaping, and other obstructions a minimum of 3 feet of the rear and on each side of the hydrant and full clearance in front. Read more

District News Articles
4/1/2011
GOV. HICKENLOOPER SIGNS PROCLAMATION TO SUPPORT APRIL AS COLORADO SAFE DIGGING MONTH

Gov. Hickenlooper has officially proclaimed April as the official Colorado Safe Digging Month, a statewide initiative aimed at raising awareness of the importance of notifying the Utility Notification Center of Colorado (UNCC) by calling 811 before all digging projects to reduce the risk of striking underground utility lines and potentially causing community damage or personal injury. Read more

District News Articles
3/18/2011
WORLD WATER DAY IS MARCH 22

International World Water Day is held every year on 22 March to focus global attention on the importance of water and advocating for the sustainable management of our water resources. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio, Brazil. The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day, and it has been held annually since then. Each year, a specific aspect of water is highlighted. This year’s theme is “Water and Urbanization” and aims to spotlight the importance of water in ever-growing urban populations around the world. It seeks both to alert the world to the adverse global situation in urban water management, and to encourage decision-makers to seize opportunities to address these formidable challenges. Through showcasing success, it seeks to encourage decision-makers to initiate and sustain reforms and forward-looking approaches. On March 22nd 2011, and in the period leading up to and after this day, a concerted effort will be made to: Read more

District News Articles
2/25/2011
SAVING WATER SAVES ENERGY: MAKE THE DROPS-TO-WATTS CONNECTION

It's Time for a New Way to Think About Water and Energy With climate change concerns, pervasive droughts, and high energy prices across the country, nearly everyone is looking for ways to conserve resources and cut costs. The good news is that by using a little “water sense” we can all use less water, energy, and money. It’s time for a new way of thinking about using water and energy more efficiently. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense program can help you save both. And look for the ENERGY STAR label on appliances and other products that use water and energy. Read more

District News Articles
2/11/2011
WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF USING WATER EFFICIENTLY?

Water efficiency can be an effective way to reduce pollution caused by excessive watering and water use. Some of the environmental benefits that are aided by water efficiency include: • Fewer sewer system failures caused from excess amounts of water overwhelming the system. • Healthy, rather than depleted and dried up, natural pollution filters such as downstream wetlands. • Reduced water contamination caused by polluted runoff due to over irrigating agricultural and urban lands. • Reduced need to construct additional dams or otherwise regulate the natural flow of streams, thus preserving their free flow and retaining the value of stream and river systems as wildlife habitats and recreational areas. Read more

District News Articles
2/4/2011
TREES NEED WATER DURING WINTER

Most of us don’t think about the fact that trees need water during the winter. They drop their leaves and go into an apparent dormant state, so we tend to forget about them. What we don’t realize is that beneath the ground there is still plenty of activity going on. The roots continue to grow throughout the winter and need adequate water to survive. There are few outward signs of drought stress on deciduous trees during the winter. During months when they have leaves, drought is noticeable because of leaf yellowing, wilting, curling at edges, brown tips, and dropping leaves. During the winter though, there are no leaves to act as drought indicators. Evergreens on the other hand, may turn yellow, red or purple. They also may turn brown at the tips of the needles and the browning may progress through the needle towards the twig. Often times, drought stress may not kill a tree outright but it will set it up for more serious secondary disease and insect infestations in following years. To insure a good growing season, care must be taken to supplement the water needs of the trees throughout the year. Read more

District News Articles
1/14/2011
DENVER WATER CHANGES FLUORIDE CONCENTRATION

On Jan. 7, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced proposed changes to the standards and guidelines on fluoride in drinking water. Addition of fluoride to drinking water supplies is recommended by Centers for Disease Control, HHS, and the American Dental Association to help prevent tooth decay, particularly in children. It was recognized by the CDC as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Read more

District News Articles
12/28/2010
OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY

In observance of the New Year’s holiday, our office will be closed December 31st. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5. We will reopen for normal business on January 3rd, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. The Board of Directors and staff of Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District would like to wish you a happy and safe New Year. Read more

District News Articles
12/17/2010
PLATTE CANYON 2011 BUDGET APPROVED

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has adopted a 2011 budget calling for total expenditures of $2,085,981; $1,888,237 for operations and $197,743 for capital expenditures which is 12.3 percent less than budgeted in 2010. the Board also recertified the property tax mill levy of 7.104 mills for general operations purposes and 0.010 mills to recover revenue from abatements and refunds made by Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties in tax year 2008. This means that there will be no tax increase to Platte Canyon property owners in 2011. The total mill levy to be assessed upon all property located within the Platte Canyon District is 7.114 mills or $7.114 for each $1,000 of assessed value Read more

District News Articles
12/3/2010
DECEMBER IS CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION MONTH

On November 30th President Obama proclaimed the month of December “Critical Infrastructure Protection Month”. “My Administration is committed to delivering the necessary information, tools, and resources to areas where critical infrastructure exists in order to maintain and enhance its security and resilience. I have proposed a bold plan for renewing and expanding our Nation's infrastructure, including its critical infrastructure, in the coming years. Additionally, we must work to empower communities, an integral part of critical infrastructure security, to work with local infrastructure owners and operators, which will make our physical and cyber infrastructure more resilient. Working together, we can raise awareness of the important role our critical infrastructure plays in sustaining the American way of life and develop actions to protect these vital resources.” (excerpt from Proclamation) Read more

District News Articles
11/19/2010
DENVER WATER BOARD ANNOUNCES 2011 RATES

The Denver Board of Water Commissioners voted to adjust water rates for 2011 at its meeting on November 17, 2010. The adjustment will provide further funding for the utility’s capital projects, which include upgrades to aging infrastructure over the next decade. The new water rates will take effect March 2011. “Water rates are driven by the vital maintenance and capital projects needed to maintain and improve our system and to keep our infrastructure reliable in the future,” said Todd Cristiano, manager of rates. “Next year’s critical projects include work like dredging Strontia Springs Reservoir, our watershed protection initiative with the U.S. Forest Service, replacing the 105-year old valves at Cheesman Dam, finishing major upgrades at Williams Fork Reservoir and Dam, and stepping up our pipe rehabilitation and replacement program.” Read more

District News Articles
10/29/2010
DENVER WATER BOARD CONSIDERS RATES ADJUSTMENT FOR 2011

Denver Water staff presented to the Board of Water Commissioners a preliminary proposal to adjust water rates for 2011 at its meeting on October 13, 2010. The adjustment would provide further funding for the utility’s capital projects, which include upgrades to aging infrastructure over the next decade. “We need to invest in our water system so we can continue to provide reliable service and clean water to our community,” said Angela Bricmont, director of finance. “Next year’s projects include more forest health related work like dredging Strontia Springs Reservoir, as well as replacing the 105-year old valves at Cheesman Dam, finishing major upgrades at Williams Fork Reservoir and Dam, and stepping up our pipe rehabilitation and replacement program.” Read more

District News Articles
10/22/2010
DON’T GET TAKEN FOR EXPENSIVE RIDE BY SEWER REPAIR SCAMS

The District has received a large volume of calls recently from concerned homeowners who have been told their sewer service pipes are deteriorating and are in imminent damage of failure. The situation normally starts with a video (TV) inspection of the homeowner’s sewer pipe by a disreputable contractor. The contractor will locate a minor flaw in the pipe and attempt to convince the homeowner that the condition must be repaired immediately. A recording of the inspection is not provided unless an additional amount is paid. This prevents the homeowner from seeking a second opinion of the extent of the reported damage. Read more

District News Articles
10/8/2010
DOES YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER SEWER BACKUPS

On numerous occasions, District maintenance staff have responded to sewer backup reports received from distressed homeowners who have lost valuable property stored on a basement floor near a floor drain. If a sewer service pipe or sewer main becomes clogged, wastewater drained from the house backs up in the pipe and usually surfaces through basement floor drains. Read more

District News Articles
9/24/2010
FOREST TO FAUCET PARTNERSHIP

Denver Water and U.S. Forest Service to spend $33 million on watershed restoration Denver Water and the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region announced their plans to equally share an investment of $33 million, over a five–year period, in restoration projects on more than 38,000 acres of National Forest lands. Read more

District News Articles
9/24/2010
DENVER WATER’S STRONTIA SPRINGS SEDIMENT REMOVAL PROJECT WILL RESULT IN FUTURE RATE INCREASES FOR DISTRICT CUSTOMERS

Denver Water has executed a contract in the amount of $30,046,500 for dredging services for removal of sediment in Strontia Springs Reservoir. Increased sediment - a result of forest fires (notably Buffalo Creek and Hayman) and subsequent intense rains over the years - has created reservoir operational challenges and is causing water quality issues that are impacting the functions of the Foothills and Marston water treatment plants and service to Denver Water’s 1.3 million customers in the Denver Metro area. At the completion of this project, over 625,000 cubic yards of sediment - enough to fill the Invesco at Mile High stadium to a height of more than 200 feet - will be removed from the reservoir’s floor increasing its overall storage capacity. The cost of this project, in addition to other ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation projects being conducted by Denver Water, will will ultimately result in future water rate increases to District customers. Read more

District News Articles
9/17/2010
DENVER TAP WATER IS “BEST OF THE BEST” IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION

Denver Water placed first in a taste test among water utilities in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico at the American Water Works Association Rocky Mountain Section’s (RMSAWWA) annual conference at Keystone Resort in Colorado. Tuesday’s event was the Rocky Mountain Section’s third annual taste test and Denver Water’s second first-place ranking in the event. Read more

District News Articles
9/17/2010
NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL TAKE-BACK DAY (SEPTEMBER 25, 2010)

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring a National Pharmaceutical Take-Back Day on September 25, 2010, from 10 A.M.-2 P.M. local time. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Prescription and over the counter solid dosage medications, i.e. tablets and capsules will be accepted. Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative. Read more

District News Articles
9/10/2010
NEW EQUIPMENT IMPROVES INSPECTION PROCEDURES OF LARGE DIAMETER SEWER MAINS

Throughout the District there are nine sanitary sewer mains called “interceptors” which range in size from 15” to 60” in diameter. These interceptors collect wastewater from large segments of the District and transport it to the Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment. The amount of flow ranges from .5 million gallons per day up to 11.5 million gallons per day. This can make maintaining and inspecting the interceptors a challenge. Recently, the District purchased a Pipe Ranger. It is a self-propelled, steerable camera transporter for large diameter pipes. A unique feature of the Pipe Ranger is the operator’s ability to raise the camera when the flow level rises as the inspection is being performed. Read more

District News Articles
9/3/2010
DENVER WATER REWARDS DISTRICT CUSTOMERS FOR RESPONSIBLE WATER USE

Representatives from Denver Water traveled to Platte Canyon to recognize several District customers for their responsible outdoor water use. As part of Denver Water’s inaugural “Thank you for using only what you need day”, these water savers were given free T-shirts and bottle openers touting the USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED campaign message. Read more

District News Articles
8/27/2010
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS RESOLUTION OPPOSING AMENDMENTS 60 AND 61 AND PROPOSITION 101

The Board of Directors of Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District has adopted a resolution opposing Amendment 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 three initiatives that will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot. The Board’s decision to oppose the ballot proposals came after extensive analysis and discussion of the potential ramifications of the ballot proposals. The Board urges all voters to research and fully understand the implications of the three ballot proposals before voting. Read more

District News Articles
8/20/2010
DISTRICT CONCLUDES 2010 WATER PRESSURE MONITORING PROGRAM

A routine activity District operations personnel perform is monitoring water pressures throughout the entire water distribution system. This annual program begins early May and concludes in September. The purpose of the program is to make certain all areas of the distribution system are operating within established parameters. Collected data is compared with water pressure standards and previous years data to determine Read more

District News Articles
8/6/2010
DENVER WATER’S HOA TOILET DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM CONTINUES

Denver Water’s HOA toilet distribution program is continuing this year. The idea for the program originally came from Denver Water’s successful rebate program. In the rebate program, Denver Water currently offers a rebate of $125 to its customers for any High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) purchased off the eligible model list. Denver Water wanted to take this idea a step further by initiating the HOA Toilet Distribution Program. The purpose of the program is to help HOAs and their residents replace old water-guzzling toilets with the new HET’s which would ultimately result in water consumption and monetary savings. Read more

District News Articles
7/23/2010
IS THERE LEAD IN MY DRINKING WATER?

Platte Canyon’s water is supplied by Denver Water. During testing lead has not been detected in Denver Water’s raw water or in the treated water leaving Denver Water treatment plants. The most common source of lead in treated drinking water is a customer’s plumbing. Read more

District News Articles
7/16/2010
WE’RE FOR WATER CAMPAIGN, “SPOKESGALLON” FLO TRAVELS THE U.S. TO PROMOTE WATER SAVINGS

American Water the nation’s largest publicly-traded water services provider, has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program to launch the national “We’re for Water” campaign. The campaign kicked off in Los Angeles on Wednesday when Flo and the EPA’s We’re for Water team departed to travel across the country for two weeks, stopping at national landmarks, taking photos with tourists, educating citizens about water efficiency, and recording the trip via Facebook, Twitter, widgets, and the We’re for Water Website ( www.epa.gov/watersense/wereforwater). The road trip will culminate on August 2, 2010, with an event in New York City. The tour is scheduled to stop in Denver on July 17th at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater. Flo will be meeting Denver Water's “running toilet” at the Top Circle Lot near the visitor center at 9 a.m. and will be there for approximately one hour. Read more

District News Articles
7/2/2010
CONSUMERS SAVE MONEY, WATER WITH EPA’S WATERSENSE PROGRAM

In 2009, EPA’s WaterSense® program helped consumers save more than 36 billion gallons of water and $267 million on their water and sewer bills. That’s nearly four times as much water as consumers saved with WaterSense® labeled toilets, faucets, and facet accessories in 2008. “By raising awareness about the value of smart water use, the WaterSense® program encourages consumers to take environmental action into their own hands,” said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “WaterSense® labeled products provide Americans another opportunity to keep the country moving towards a green economy.” Read more

District News Articles
6/18/2010
District Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Blooming

The District’s Robert G. Koran Memorial Xeriscape Demonstration Garden is in full bloom this month. Read more

District News Articles
6/11/2010
PLATTE CANYON WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT WORK SET TO BEGIN

Platte Canyon will be conducting two major water construction projects set to begin in July. On May 28th the Board of Directors awarded the construction contracts for these projects to Levi Contractors. Price for these projects is expected to cost $158,560.00 The projects are: South Pierce Ct. Water Main Replacement 325 feet of 4-inch cast iron pipe will be replaced in the S. Pierce Ct. cul-de-sac south of W. Hinsdale Pl. in the Columbine West Subdivision. Read more

District News Articles
5/14/2010
DENVER WATER ANNOUNCES NEW CEO/MANAGER

The Denver Board of Water Commissioners has selected Jim Lochhead to be the next CEO/Manager of Denver Water. “Jim brings deep experience and expertise in Colorado water issues and the political process, as well as outstanding leadership, strategic visioning and management skills,” said Penfield Tate, president of the Board of Water Commissioners. “We believe he has the necessary ability to maintain and build relationships with the myriad external stakeholders that work with Denver Water, and also the ability to be a dynamic, visionary leader for our staff and internal operations.” Read more

District News Articles
5/7/2010
REMEMBERING CHIPS BARRY

Hamlet “Chips” Barry, the CEO of Denver Water, the state’s largest utility, died after an accident on his farm on the Big Island of Hawaii, Sunday May 2, 2010. Barry, 66, had been the head of Denver Water since 1991 and was set to retire in a few weeks and recently honored for his services in a Resolution adopted by the Platte Canyon Board of Directors last month. Read more

District News Articles
5/7/2010
DISTRICT DELUGED WITH WATER IN BASEMENT CALLS

The District has been flooded with calls reporting water seeping into their basements. They have also stated that this has never happened in all the years they’ve resided at their home. The District has had a lot of moisture these past few weeks, especially with the snow and rain storms just two weeks ago. Because of all this moisture, the ground water table is above normal levels and causes water to penetrate areas that normally aren’t affected. Read more

District News Articles
4/15/2010
DISTRICT BOARD ADOPTS RESOLUTION HONORING RETIRING DENVER WATER DEPARTMENT MANAGER HAMLET “CHIPS” BARRY

The Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors adopted Resolution 2010-3-1 Honoring Hamlet “Chips” Barry at its March 26, 2010 board meeting expressing the Board’s appreciation and gratitude to his 19 years of dedicated exemplary management and leadership of Denver Water. Read more

District News Articles
4/2/2010
DISTRICT GOES MOBILE WITH GIS

The District has been working on a Geographic Information System (GIS) project for over a year and is rolling out the program to its employees in mid-April of 2010. The District made the decision to proceed with the GIS project when the District went mobile with their field operations staff over a year ago. The District has taken the current asset management program (Hansen) and combined it with the District’s mapping system to create the District’s GIS program. Read more

District News Articles
3/19/2010
WORLD WATER DAY IS MARCH 22

World Water Day 2010 will be celebrated by the UN on Monday, March 22. This year’s theme is “Water Quality” under the slogan “Clean Water for a Healthy World”, and will emphasize that both the quality and the quantity of water resources are at risk. The World Water Day 2010 will focus on: Raising awareness about sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being through addressing the increasing water quality challenges in water management and Raising the profile of water quality by encouraging governments, organizations, communities, and individuals around the world to actively engage in proactively addressing water quality e.g. in pollution prevention, clean up and restoration. Read more

District News Articles
3/5/2010
2010 PRECIPITATION AND SNOWPACK LEVELS ARE CLOSE TO 2001 - 2002 DROUGHT LEVELS, BUT DON’T PANIC

As of March 1, 2010 snow-pack readings in the two watersheds that supplies water to Denver Water, the Upper South Platte and Upper Colorado, is tracking only slightly better than the 2002 drought levels, (76% of average compared to 70% of average on March 1, 2002), Bob Steger, a water resource engineer with the Denver Water Department stated this week. However, there are differences in this year’s readings as compared to the 2002 situation. According to Mr. Steger the Upper South Platte snowpack is significantly higher now (74% of average on March 1) than it was in 2002 (45% of average). Also Denver Water’s reservoir storage is considerably higher than it was at this time back in 2002. On March 1, 2010, our available reservoir storage was 85% of capacity; on March 1, 2002, available storage was 74% of capacity. But there is no reason to panic, Steger said. Read more

District News Articles
2/26/2010
MYTHS vs. FACTS ABOUT DENVER WATER

After receiving several calls from District customers concerning why Denver Water raised its rates yet again and the reasons that they went to a monthly billing system, Platte Canyon would like to clarify the real reasons that Denver Water makes the changes it does. Read more

District News Articles
2/5/2010
DISTRICT RECEIVES NEW SEWER CLEANER UNIT

An important maintenance activity District operations employees perform is high-pressure cleaning of sanitary sewer mains. In December 2009, the District purchased a replacement of a unit owned since 1998. The picture to the left shows what the vehicle looks like should you see it on your neighborhood street. Read more

District News Articles
1/22/2010
WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM CONTINUES THROUGH 2010

Denver Water Department's Residential Rebate Program for Platte Canyon customers who replace water guzzling fixtures and equipment with water efficient models will continue throughout this year. Denver Water is offering five kinds of rebates for customers interested in improving high-water-use appliances or adding efficiency enhancers to their irrigation systems. The rebates will be available for purchases made between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Eligible purchases include: Read more

District News Articles
1/22/2010
DENVER WATER MANAGER CHIPS BARRY TO RETIRE

On January 11th Denver Water Manager Hamlet “Chips” Barry, the water department’s longest serving manager, announced his plans to retire later this spring. Denver Water has 1.3 million customers in Denver and the surrounding suburbs. It collects and distributes about 76 billion gallons of water a year. That accounts for about a third of the treated water in Colorado and 2 percent of all water in the state. Read more

District News Articles
1/15/2010
CAPITAL MASTER PLAN FOR 2010 - 2019

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors recently approved a Capital Master Plan for 2010 - 2019. The purpose of the master plan is to itemize, prioritize and schedule water and wastewater facility expansion, rehabilitation and replacement projects and vehicle purchases to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of budgeting and cash flow analysis. The Plan enables the District to be pro-active in confronting water and sewer system modifications and rehabilitation. Read more

District News Articles
1/15/2010
PC 2010 BUDGET APPROVED

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has adopted a 2010 budget calling for expenditure of $2,379,496; 2.3 percent less than budgeted in 2009. the Board also certified a property tax mill levy of 7.104 mills for general operations purposes and 0.020 mills to recover revenue from abatements and refunds made by Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties in tax year 2008. The total mill levy to be assessed upon all property located within the Platte Canyon District is 7.124 mills or $7.124 for each $1,000 of assessed value. Read more

District News Articles
1/8/2010
HELP KEEP MEDICINE OUT OF OUR WATERSHED

Health Organizations Launch Take-Back Program for Unwanted Medicines The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and a consortium of concerned organizations, including Denver Water, have launched a two-year pilot program offering a secure and environmentally responsible way for people to dispose of unwanted medication. Tamper-resistant collection boxes are now available at several metro-area locations. Read more

District News Articles
12/11/2009
LEAK DETECTION SURVEY COMMENCING THIS WEEK THROUGHOUT DISTRICT

Denver Water has contracted with Utility Services Associates, LLC to provide a leak detection survey for Distributors of the Denver Water Department. The participating Distributors include Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation, Southwest Metropolitan Water and Sanitation District, Bow Mar Water and Sanitation District, Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District, Lakehurst Water and Sanitation District, Willows Water District, Cherry Creek Village, Wheat Ridge Water District and the City of Lakewood. Read more

District News Articles
11/20/2009
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF SEWER BACKUP

Sewer backups can originate within the customer’s sewer service pipe or within Platte Canyon’s sewer main for a number of reasons. The most common cause of backups is tree roots growing into the customer’s service pipe. Occasionally, however, roots can also infiltrate the District’s sewer mains through individual service pipes or through pipe joints. Another common cause of backups is grease buildup that can occur in either customer or District owned pipes Read more

District News Articles
11/6/2009
PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE MAINTENANCE

A routine activity District operations personnel perform is Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Maintenance. This program is necessary due to the fact that there are various elevations throughout the District which affect water pressure delivery. The higher the elevation the lower the water pressure. In turn, the lower the elevation the higher the water pressure. It is the goal Read more

District News Articles
10/30/2009
WATER AND SEWER RATES TO RISE

Denver Water and the City of Littleton have announced significant increases in water and sanitary sewer rates for 2010. Read more

District News Articles
10/23/2009
APPLIANCE DISCHARGE

As part of the Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District’s ongoing Maintenance Program, District crews utilize high pressure water cleaning equipment to clean and scour District owned sanitary sewer mains throughout the year. Occasionally this equipment causes a vacuum effect in the sewer main which, if not vented through properly functioning customer-owned plumbing ventilation pipes, may result in a minor discharge from sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and floor drains in a customer’s residence. Read more

District News Articles
10/16/2009
FALL SERVICE OF AIR-VACUUM VALVES BEGINS

Another routine function performed by the District’s operations staff is bi-annual maintenance of Air-Vacuum (Air-Vac) valves. An Air-Vacuum valve is a device installed on water mains 12 inches or larger. Its purpose is to allow air to enter a water main when it is being shut off and drained for maintenance and repairs. In turn, when the water main is being re-filled the Air-Vac valve allows air to escape from the pipe. Entrapped air has a force up to nine times greater than the water pressure in the main. These pockets of entrapped air can cause failures Read more

District News Articles
9/25/2009
ROUTINE FIRE HYDRANT MAINTENANCE PROGRAM CONCLUDES

One of the routine operations that Platte Canyon maintenance crews perform during the spring and summer is annual inspection and maintenance of District owned fire hydrants. This routine maintenance includes: lubrication of the operating stem and nozzle caps, water pressure readings, as well as ensuring the proper operation of the fire hydrant and isolation gate valve. Fire hydrants are also painted on a bi-annual basis. District crews also observe the general condition of the fire hydrant which includes the availability of proper access to the hydrant for maintenance and emergency purposes. Though the annual maintenance program is concluding for the fall and winter months, Platte Canyon is asking its customers to report any potential problems they observe with hydrants in their areas (i.e. hydrants leaking water, hydrants that have been damaged, hydrants that are missing, etc.). Read more

District News Articles
9/18/2009
DENVER WATER EXTENDS PAYMENT DEADLINE FOR WATER BILLS

Upon the implementation of Denver Water’s monthly billing in July of this year, Denver Water had changed the payment deadline from 25 calendar days for customers to pay their bill and late payment fees were added if the bill was not paid within six days of the due date down to 12 calendar days to pay their bill and late payment fees were assessed if the bill was not paid within six days of the due date. After receiving several customer complaints about the short turn around time to payment due dates, Denver Water has changed the payment deadline once again. Beginning in October bills will be due 20 days after the bill date and late payment fees will be added six days following that. Both dates will be clearly stated on the bill. Read more

District News Articles
9/11/2009
DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING A WEEK EARLY IN SEPTEMBER

The Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors voted last month to change the September Board of Directors Meeting from September 25, 2009 to September 18, 2009, a week earlier than originally scheduled. Read more

District News Articles
9/4/2009
STANTON FARMS TOWNHOMES HOA SIGNS IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY AGREEMENT WITH DENVER WATER

As part of Denver Water’s Irrigation Efficiency Program, Stanton Farms Townhomes HOA entered into an Irrigation Efficiency Demand Side Management Agreement with Denver Water. This agreement resulted from Denver Water conservation specialists conducting a free audit on the irrigation systems at Stanton Farms. Specialists outlined a list of landscape and irrigation changes that maximized water savings. Following Denver Water staff recommendations, the HOA instituted a water-saving makeover which includes the replacement of spray head nozzles in turf areas with more efficient rotary nozzles. The HOA will phase-in the use of Weather-Based ET controllers as time and money permit over the length of the Agreement. Read more

District News Articles
8/21/2009
DENVER WATER REPORTS LOWER WATER USE THANKS TO WEATHER AND EFFICIENT CUSTOMERS

This summer’s wet weather has many people shutting off their lawn sprinklers to take advantage of what Mother Nature is offering, and Denver Water couldn’t be happier. Customers are using less water this year compared to recent years, but that’s prompted some to ask what it means for the utility’s revenues. In March 2009, Denver Water reduced its operating budget by 12 percent and adjusted its 2009 revenue expectations downward by 5 percent to respond to the downturn in the economy. However, due to the unusually wet weather, the utility anticipates an additional $16.4 million--or 8 percent--less revenue than expected for the year, which will be covered by reserves the utility maintains for seasonal variations. Read more

District News Articles
7/24/2009
PLATTE CANYON ASSUMES OWNERSHIP OF COLUMBINE TOWNHOUSES FOUR WATER SYSTEM

Replacement of 1,431 feet of water pipe within Columbine Townhouses Four Subdivision (CT4) has been completed by Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Subdistrict No. 2. The successful project enables CT4 to abandon its private water system and obtain service from the new public water system that will be owned and maintained by Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District. This is the second private water system conversion sponsored by Platte Canyon. Previously, the Columbine Townhouses Three Subdivision was converted from a privately owned system to a public system after all existing water facilities were replaced by Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Subdistrict No. 1. Read more

District News Articles
7/10/2009
PLATTE CANYON WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT WORK SET TO BEGIN

Platte Canyon will be conducting two major water construction projects this month. On April 28th the Board of Directors awarded the construction contracts for these projects to Twin Peaks Utility and Infrastructure, Inc.. The projects are: Read more

District News Articles
6/26/2009
CLOSED CIRCUIT INSPECTION PROGRAM

An important maintenance activity District operations employees perform is closed-circuit television inspections of sanitary sewer mains. This activity provides a detailed evaluation of the condition of every sewer main owned by the District. Read more

District News Articles
6/19/2009
REMINDER: DENVER WATER MONTHLY BILLING BEGINS IN JULY

Denver Water will be moving from bi-monthly billing to monthly billing beginning in early July 2009. In order to communicate this change to District customers, Denver Water's extensive communications campaign continues through August. Read more

District News Articles
6/12/2009
LITTLETON SEWER RATES TO RISE IN 2009

Sanitary sewer service bills scheduled to be mailed to Platte Canyon residents on June 15, 2009 will reflect a six percent increase over 2008 charges. Annual charges for a single family homeowner in Platte Canyon will be $190.87, a $10.80 increase from the 2008 rate of $180.07. Service charges for multi-family customers will rise $9.18 from $153.06 in 2008 to $162.24 this year. The increase is needed to pay for increased sewer treatment plant operation and maintenance costs as well as debt service expenditures. Read more

District News Articles
6/12/2009
PLATTE CANYON PARTICIPATES IN COMPREHENSIVE SEWER RATE STUDY

During Littleton City Council deliberations over sanitary sewer service charge adjustments in 2008, Platte Canyon and other connector district representatives urged Council members to conduct a professional, unbiased comprehensive rate study. The districts offered to share the cost of the study on a proportional basis. Not only did Council refuse to authorize the study, it ignored City staff’s recommendation for an equitable rate increase and, rather, adopted a discriminatory 20 percent increase assessed solely on outside-city residents and businesses. Read more

District News Articles
6/12/2009
SEWER CONNECTION DISTRICTS FORM COALITION

After the City of Littleton imposed a one sided 20 percent sewer service charge increase on outside-City customers and no increase on Littleton customers in 2008, a number of water and sanitation districts joined together to form the Littleton Sewer Rate Coalition (Coalition). The purpose of the Coalition is to promote fair and equitable sewer rates and tap fees for member customers. Read more

District News Articles
5/22/2009
WATER PRESSURE MONITORING PROGRAM

A routine activity District operations personnel perform is monitoring water pressures throughout the entire water distribution system. This annual program begins early May and concludes in early September. The purpose of the program is to make certain all areas of the distribution system are operating normally. Collected data is compared to previous years alerting District personnel of any potential problems. Read more

District News Articles
5/15/2009
ISOLATION VALVE MAINTENANCE

An important maintenance activity District crews perform is maintenance of isolation valves. It is imperative that all valves are in proper working order and easily accessible to provide the best water quality and fire protection. Every district owned isolation valve is visited annually with an alternating inspection and exercise cycle. Read more

District News Articles
4/24/2009
PLATTE CANYON HOSTING HOA WATER CONSERVATION SEMINAR

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District will be hosting a seminar for Homeowner Associations (HOAs) on May 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Tim LaPan from Denver Water will be available to assist HOAs in finding ways through Denver Water's programs to conserve water throughout their communities. Read more

District News Articles
4/24/2009
DISTRICT WELCOMED NEW “EMPLOYEES” ON TAKE YOUR KIDS TO WORK DAY

Some special guests accompanied their moms and dads to work April 23 for the annual “Take Your Kids to Work Day” program. Read more

District News Articles
3/27/2009
IT SNOWED! BUT THERE IS STILL A GOOD REASON TO BE TAP+SMART

Above-average snowpack in Denver’s West Slope watersheds is welcome news. But what does it mean for Denver Water customers? Read more

District News Articles
3/6/2009
SPRING SERVICE OF AIR-VACUUM VALVES BEGINS

A routine function performed by the District’s operations staff is bi-annual maintenance of Air-Vacuum (Air-Vac) valves. An Air-Vacuum valve is a device installed on water mains 12 inches or larger. Its purpose is to allow air to enter a water main when it is being shut off and drained for maintenance and repairs. In turn, when the water main is being re-filled the Air-Vac valve allows air to escape from the pipe. Entrapped air has a force up to nine times greater than the water pressure in the main. These pockets of entrapped air can cause failures to the water main and if the air pocket travels into a customers’ water service connection it can cause property damage. Read more

District News Articles
2/20/2009
TAP WATER vs. BOTTLED: WHICH IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?

Remember the drinking fountain, that once ubiquitous, and free, source of water? It seems quaint now. Instead, bottled water is everywhere, in offices, gyms, airplanes, stores, homes and restaurants across the country. We consumed over eight billion gallons of the stuff in 2006, a 10 percent increase from 2005. It's refreshing, calorie-free, convenient to carry around, tastier than some tap water and a lot healthier than sugary sodas. But more and more, people are questioning whether the water is safe, or at least safer than tap water--and if the convenience is worth the excessive price. Read more

District News Articles
1/29/2009
THIS SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, REMEMBER THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

There’s another “bowl” to check out this Sunday. Denver Water continues the tradition it started in 2005, urging customers to check their toilet bowls for leaks on Super Bowl Sunday. Turn those Super Bowl bathroom visits into a profitable situation with Denver Water’s special incentive that makes that “up close and personal” encounter with the porcelain throne a more attractive prospect: cash money. Read more

District News Articles
12/17/2008
WEB SITE UPDATES ON HIATUS

This is just to let our customers/readers know that the Platte Canyon Web Site will not be updated with new information until February 2008 due to our Website Administrator’s absence. During this time the web site is still fully functional (just not updated) so please feel free to explore what the site has to offer. Read more

District News Articles
12/16/2008
CAPITAL MASTER PLAN FOR 2009 - 2018

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors recently approved a Capital Master Plan for 2009 - 2018. The purpose of the master plan is to itemize, prioritize and schedule water and wastewater facility expansion, rehabilitation and replacement projects and vehicle purchases to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of budgeting and cash flow analysis. The Plan enables the District to be pro-active in confronting water and sewer system modifications and rehabilitation. Read more

District News Articles
12/16/2008
2009 BUDGET APPROVED

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has adopted a 2009 budget calling for expenditure of $2,429,556, 13% less than the amount budgeted in 2008. The Board also certified a property tax mill levy of 7.104 mills for general operations purposes and 0.032 mills to recover revenue from previous county tax refunds and abatements. The total mill levy to be assessed upon all property located with the Platte Canyon District is 7.136 mills or $7.136 for each $1,000 of assessed value. Read more

District News Articles
11/14/2008
DISTRICT JOINS COLORADO’S WATER/WASTEWATER AGENCY RESPONSE NETWORK (CoWARN)

In October the Platte Canyon Board of Directors signed a Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement to join the Colorado Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CoWARN). The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment working in cooperation with public and private water and wastewater utilities has formed the Colorado Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CoWARN). CoWARN is a formalized system whose goal is designed to create a network of utilities that are prepared and willing to assist one another during emergency situations such as floods, tornados, terrorist attacks and even water breaks that overwhelm affected entities ability to respond to system and citizen needs. Read more

District News Articles
10/31/2008
STATE WATER BOARD REPORT INDICATES CLIMATE CHANGE WILL AFFECT WATER SUPPLY PLANNING

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) released a report on October 6th, “Colorado Climate Change: A Synthesis to Support Water Resource Management and Adaptation.” The report focused on observed trends and projections of temperature, precipitation, snow and runoff. The report was released in connection with the Governor’s Conference on Managing Drought and Climate Risk, that was held October 8-10, 2008, in Denver. Read more

District News Articles
10/12/2008
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CLEAN DRINKING WATER

The next time you enjoy a refreshing glass of water from the tap, you might want to offer a toast to what has been helping to keep water safe and healthy for American families since 1908. One hundred years ago, Jersey City, N.J., and Chicago’s union stockyards added chlorine to water supplies, launching America’s reliance on chlorine to disinfect drinking water. Read more

District News Articles
10/10/2008
SURVEY OF FUTURE OF DENVER WATER RATES

Denver Water is looking at ways to revise its rate structure and is seeking customer feedback on possible alternative options for 2010 and beyond. The utility is evaluating how to meet costs and encourage conservation to ensure a sustainable water supply for the future. Customers can visit www.denverwater.org through Oct. 31 to take a survey and provide input. Read more

District News Articles
10/3/2008
DENVER WATER BOARD ADJUSTS CUSTOMER RATES FOR 2009

Denver Water’s Board of Water Commissioners today approved a proposal to adjust water rates for 2009, maintaining the utility’s conservation-oriented pricing structure that provides lower rates for low water use and charges more for summer peak usage. The adjustments take effect Jan. 1, 2009. Read more

District News Articles
9/26/2008
GREASE IS NOT THE ONLY PRODUCT HARMFUL TO SEWERS

Grease is not the only substance that can cause problems in sewers. Many household chemicals, plant fertilizers, pesticides, and medicines can be toxic by themselves or when mixed with other substances. These chemicals pose health risks to wastewater collection system and treatment plant employees. Read more

District News Articles
9/26/2008
DISTRICT SUPPORTS TWO WATER RELATED PBS DOCUMENTARIES

PBS will air two shows educating the public about water issues facing our country and region: water delivery systems and future supply sources the first week of October. Liquid Assets: The Story of Our Water Infrastructure - Airs at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, on Rocky Mountain PBS, KRMA Channel 6 American Southwest: Are We Running Dry? - Airs at 9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, on Rocky Mountain PBS, KRMA Channel 6 Read more

District News Articles
9/19/2008
DENVER TAP WATER IS TOPS

Denver Water placed first in a taste test for water utilities in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming at the American Water Works Association Rocky Mountain Section’s (RMSAWWA) annual conference in Colorado Springs. Thirteen utilities submitted samples for tasting and a panel of five judges that included news media and water taste test professionals rated Denver Water number one based on appearance, smell, taste and overall impression. Read more

District News Articles
8/29/2008
PROTECT YOUR DRINKING WATER FOR LIFE

Water is all around us. It is colorless and tasteless. The air we breathe contains water. Water has many purposes throughout the world, aside from human consumption and purposes related to that. With 80 percent of the earth's surface covered with water, it makes water the most common substance on earth. Without water, there could be no life. Every living thing needs water to live, and every living thing is made of at least some water. Next to the air we breathe, water is our most important need. Without water there wouldn’t be any life on Earth. Because of this it is extremely important that we protect our drinking water sources Read more

District News Articles
8/22/2008
PLATTE CANYON PROMOTES FAT FREE SEWERS

District News Articles
8/8/2008
GARDENER DIGS INTO NEW CHALLENGE

Elizabeth Gardener, Denver Water’s manager of water conservation for the past 21 years, greeted 2008 by taking on a new challenge in her chosen field. As a Tap+Smart Plan co-chair, she will create alliances with other water providers in the metro area to help them reduce water waste. Read more

District News Articles
8/1/2008
DISTRICT GOES MOBILE

On June 2nd Platte Canyon implemented its mobile solution program which allows operations staff to remotely access the District’s Infrastructure Management software from their vehicles in the field by utilizing portable Panasonic rugged laptops with Sprint aircards that are mounted in all District vehicles. The software allows operations staff to access locate ticket management software, GIS software, e-mails, easement information, and various maps from anywhere with the District. Read more

District News Articles
7/18/2008
DISTRICT REQUESTING PROPOSALS FOR DEMOLITION OF ITS SEWAGE LIFT STATION

As reported in previous news articles, Platte Canyon has decommissioned its Platte River Sewage Lift Station located at 2650 W. Berry Ave., adjacent to the South Platte River. The pumping station was originally constructed in the early 1960’s to pump the majority of the District’s wastewater under the South Platte River into a Littleton sewer pipe that extends to the Littleton-Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant at Dartmouth Ave. and Santa Fe. Dr. The District is now seeking proposals from qualified firms to remove all structures and level the site with existing soil and clean, approved fill material as necessary to restore the site to the existing elevation. Read more

District News Articles
7/17/2008
DENVER WATER’S NEW SOIL AMENDMENT GOES INTO EFFECT AUGUST 1ST

As part of Denver Water’s Tap+Smart Conservation Plan, in November 2007 the Board of Water Commissioners approved the soil amendment operating rule, effective August 1, 2008. Soil preparation applies to all commercial, industrial and residential properties throughout the Denver Water service area that will have a meter set after August 1, 2008. Read more

District News Articles
7/3/2008
PLATTE CANYON WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT WORK SET TO BEGIN

Platte Canyon will be conducting three major water construction projects this summer. On June 27th the Board of Directors awarded the construction contracts for these projects to Levi Contractors. The projects are: Read more

District News Articles
6/27/2008
WATER EFFICIENT NEW HOMES COMING SOON

The US Environmental Protection Agency has released the draft specification for the water efficient new homes program. The draft specification incorporates EPA's criteria for product categories earning the WaterSense label (toilets and faucets) and requires many other practices and technologies aimed at bringing water efficiency into the entire home. Read more

District News Articles
6/13/2008
DISTRICT ELECTION CANCELLED

The election for directors to the board of Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District was cancelled when there were not more candidates filing nominating petitions than the number of board vacancies. As a result of the cancellation, Jack Dice and Richard Eckert were declared elected to four year terms ending in May 2010. Read more

District News Articles
5/2/2008
DISTRICT WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEE

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District would like to extend a warm welcome to Justin Roquemore who has been hired to fill the vacant Operator I position. Read more

District News Articles
4/24/2008
SPRING WATER EFFICIENCY SEMINAR - CANCELLED

Due to lack of response the Spring Water Efficiency Seminar Irrigation System and Watering Basics has been CANCELLED. Read more

District News Articles
4/11/2008
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SPRING WATER EFFICIENCY SEMINAR

Southwest Metropolitan in cooperation with Arapahoe Acres Nursery, Denver Water, and Ken Caryl Ranch and Lakehurst Water and Sanitation Districts, is once again pleased to sponsor a water efficiency seminar to inform District customers how to utilize efficient water and irrigation practices and how to receive monetary compensation by doing it. The instructional seminar had grown in popularity with the advent of water resource limitations and higher water rates. Read more

District News Articles
4/4/2008
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PLATTE CANYON WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT CUSTOMERS

Littleton City Council has proposed a 20% increase in 2008 sewer service charges for Platte Canyon customers. Council also proposed no increase in rates for sewer customers residing within Littleton City boundaries. The additional cost to Platte Canyon customers will be $30.01 per year. Read more

District News Articles
3/28/2008
BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO CONSIDER WATER CONSERVATION PLAN

In accordance with its Water Supply Agreement with Denver Water, Platte Canyon is required to implement and enforce Denver Water Operating Rules, including water efficiency and conservation requirements. The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has been a strong advocate for water conservation and has supported Read more

District News Articles
3/21/2008
EMAIL UPDATE SERVICE AVAILABLE

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District offers a free service that will automatically keep you notified when specific areas of our website are updated. These areas include: News Articles, Board Meeting Agendas, Board Meeting Minutes, District Projects, and Water and Sanitary Sewer Specifications. Read more

District News Articles
3/21/2008
EMERGENCY CONTACT REMINDER

To report problems with water service, sewer service, or possible water leaks, please contact Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District at 303-979-2333 before calling a plumber or another contractor. Read more

District News Articles
3/14/2008
WORLD WATER DAY IS MARCH 20 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SANITATION 2008

World Water Day 2008 will be celebrated by the UN on Thursday, March 20 and UN Water officially launched the World Water Day 2008 website. The day will highlight issues on sanitation in accordance with the International Year of Sanitation (IYS) 2008. The goal of the IYS is to raise awareness and to draw attention to the global sanitation crisis. Read more

District News Articles
3/10/2008
JOB OPENING: WATER DISTRIBUTION / WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM OPERATOR I OR II

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Distribution / Wastewater Collection System Operator I or II. Read more

District News Articles
3/7/2008
PLATTE RIVER SEWAGE LIFT STATION BEING DECOMMISSIONED AFTER 49 YEARS IN SERVICE

As reported in previous news articles, Platte Canyon contracted with Roxborough Water and Sanitation District to transport a portion of the District’s wastewater through Roxborough’s new regional outfall sewer pipe. The intergovernmental agreement enables Platte Canyon to abandon its Platte River sewage lift station located at Berry Ave. And the South Platte River. The pumping station was originally constructed in the early 1960’s to pump the majority of the District’s wastewater under the South Platte River into a Littleton sewer pipe that extends to the Littleton-Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant at Dartmouth Ave. and Santa Fe. Dr. Read more

District News Articles
2/22/2008
WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM CONTINUES THROUGH 2008

District News Articles
2/15/2008
WATER BILL REFUNDS COMING TO PLATTE CANYON CUSTOMERS

Denver Water recently discovered an error in the formula used to calculate the water bills for “Read and Bill” customers which resulted in customers being overcharged for their water usage. This incorrect water rate calculation resulted in 35,000 single-family homes, half of them located in the Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District, to be overcharged for water bills beginning January 1, 2007 and continuing through the first billing period of this year. Read more

District News Articles
2/1/2008
CHECK YOUR POTTY AT YOUR SUPER BOWL PARTY (Water department offering cash rebates for low-flow toilets, other water saving devices)

Move over Giants and Patriots; there’s another “bowl” to check out this Sunday. Denver Water continues the tradition it started in 2005, urging customers to check their toilet bowls for leaks on Super Bowl Sunday. Turn those Super Bowl bathroom visits into a profitable situation with the water department’s special incentive that makes that “up close and personal” encounter with the porcelain throne a more attractive prospect: cash money. Read more

District News Articles
1/25/2008
PLATTE CANYON HAS BECOME AN EPA WATERSENSE® PARTNER

Platte Canyon has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to bring you WaterSense®, a national program that offers consumers a simple way to make product choices that use less water with no sacrifice to quality or product performance. Read more

District News Articles
1/18/2008
WATER EFFICIENCY ADDRESSED IN NEW FEDERAL ENERGY BILL

On December 19, 2007, President Bush signed bill H.R. 6, Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 into law. This bill establishes minimum national water efficiency standards for residential clothes washers and dishwashers. The standards contained in H.R. 6 were developed in an agreement between appliance manufacturers, their trade organization, and a nationwide coalition of energy and water efficiency supporters in April 2007. Read more

District News Articles
1/11/2008
PLATTE CANYON AND DENVER WATER DEPARTMENT COOPERATE TO SOLVE MAJOR SYSTEM MALFUNCTION

On January 3, 2008 the Denver Water Department experienced distribution system problems which affected a large portion of the Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District from W. Bowles Ave. south to W. Chatfield Ave. and from S. Platte Canyon Rd. west to S. Pierce St. It took several hours to locate the system malfunction and as Denver Water crews worked to rectify the problem a very high water pressure surge was sent into Platte Canyon’s water distribution system. Read more

District News Articles
1/4/2008
BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2008

The Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors has established the following schedule for Board meetings in 2008. Read more

District News Articles
12/28/2007
WATER QUALITY PROTECTION

Preserving the quality of water delivered to homes and businesses in Platte Canyon is a huge effort that involves a large number of entities carrying out numerous, diverse responsibilities. Protection of water quality begins at the source. Read more

District News Articles
12/21/2007
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS PLANNED FOR 2008

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has approved three capital construction replacement projects for 2008. The projects, which are expected to cost $612,831, are part of the District’s Capital Master Plan for 2008-2017. The plan projects expenditure of $5,075,584 for water and sewer system replacements and improvements and $1,012,000 for vehicle replacements over the next ten years Read more

District News Articles
12/14/2007
2008 BUDGET APPROVED

The 2008 Budget for Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District was approved by the District’s Board of Directors on November 30, 2007. The entire budget is available for review by clicking on the following link: Read more

District News Articles
12/7/2007
APPLIANCE DISCHARGE

District News Articles
11/30/2007
HIGH-EFFICIENCY TOILETS (HETS) SAVE WATER

Toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for approximately 30 percent of residential indoor water consumption. Toilets are also responsible for most of the water wasted in American homes due to leaks and/or inefficiency. Replacing toilets with WaterSense labeled high-efficiency models (HETs) could save approximately two billion gallons per day across the country Read more

District News Articles
11/2/2007
VAST TINDERBOX THREATENS COLORADO’S WATERSHEDS

As the wildfire season ebbs this fall, a group of Colorado water managers, foresters, and scientists are all fired up about protecting watersheds from forest fires that could ravage drinking water infrastructure. Seven Front Range Colorado water providers met with representatives of the Colorado State Forest Service, US Forest Service, US Geological Survey, National Park Service, other related entities, Read more

District News Articles
10/19/2007
FALL WATER EFFICIENCY SEMINARS A SUCCESS

Platte Canyon was once again pleased to sponsor a series of water efficiency sessions to inform District customers how to utilize efficient water and irrigation practices and how to receive monetary compensation by doing it. The District’s seminar series has grown increasingly popular with the advent of Read more

District News Articles
10/12/2007
DENVER WATER ANNOUNCES RATE INCREASE

The Denver Board of Water commissioners has approved an increase in water rates effective January 1, 2008. While single family residential water rates for Platte Canyon customers will rise 4.7%, the actual water bill impact will depend on the amount of each customers water consumption as shown Read more

District News Articles
10/5/2007
PREPARING FOR COLD WEATHER

District News Articles
9/28/2007
APPLIANCE INDUSTRY IS SUPPORTING WATER, ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS

Major home appliance manufacturers, their trade organization, and a nationwide coalition of energy and water efficiency supporters announced an agreement that will establish new mandatory federal energy and water efficiency standards, recommendations for new ENERGY STAR levels, and manufacturer tax credits for the production of super-efficient clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators and Read more

District News Articles
9/14/2007
NATIVE VS. ADAPTED: WHICH PLANTS ARE BEST FOR WATER-CONSERVING YARDS?

There has been a long-standing controversy among landscape aficionados about whether native or adapted plants are really best to conserve water in Colorado landscapes. Looking for a balanced approach, CWWC’s Liz Gardener posed some questions to two are experts, Panyoti Kelaidis, Director of Outreach at Denver Botanic Gardens and Abby Schreiber, Horticulturist and Xeriscape Specialist for Aurora Utilities. Read more

District News Articles
8/30/2007
LITTLETON INCREASES SANITARY SEWER TAP FEES

Builders of new homes and commercial structures are required to obtain sanitary sewer tap permits from both the District and City of Littleton before connecting to District owned sewer mains. Fees charged for the permits are used to offset the cost of new infrastructure needed to serve new development as well as to provide reimbursement of costs previously incurred for sewer collection and treatment facilities used by new connectors. Read more

District News Articles
8/17/2007
REGISTER NOW FOR FALL WATER CONSERVATION SEMINARS

Platte Canyon is once again pleased to sponsor a series of water efficiency sessions to inform District customers how to utilize efficient water and irrigation practices and how to receive monetary compensation by doing it. The instructional series has grown in popularity with the advent of water resource limitations and higher water rates. Read more

District News Articles
8/10/2007
W. CHESTNUT AVE. SEWER MAIN REHABILITATION PROJECT COMPLETED UNDER A NEW ANNUAL CONTRACT

On March 23, 2007 The Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors authorized an annual contract with Wildcat Civil Services, LLC to perform cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) sewer lining services on an “as authorized” basis. Read more

District News Articles
8/3/2007
PLATTE CANYON SIGNS SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VALLEY SANITATION DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of Platte Canyon has agreed to provide sanitary sewer maintenance and general administrative services to Valley Sanitation District. An intergovernmental agreement similar to contracts previously executed with Bow Mar, Columbine, and Lochmoor Water and Sanitation Districts was approved by both district boards June 22, 2007. Read more

District News Articles
7/27/2007
ORDER YOUR RUBBER DUCKY TODAY

Denver Water has implemented a new web site as the most recent addition to the Use Only What You Need campaign. The goal of the campaign is to educate customers on how to use water efficiently and eliminate waste. Read more

District News Articles
7/6/2007
THE PHENOMENAL GROWTH OF SPECIAL DISTRICTS by J. Evan Goulding

Special Districts date back to the early mining camps in Colorado, where as the camps grew, they sought mechanisms to join together to provide certain essential services such as fire protection and sewer service. Special districts of one form or another have been utilized since that time. Read more

District News Articles
6/29/2007
GROWING TRENDS IN EFFICIENT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS by Kristin Shewfelt

From 1996 to 1999, The American Water Works Association (AWWA) Research Foundation conducted a study to determine how North American households use water around the home. A total of 14 cities, including Boulder and Denver, participated in the study. AWWA concluded that North American households typically use about 146,000 gallons of water annually, and of this amount, approximately 42% is used indoors and 58% is used for outdoor irrigation. Given that meaningful savings in indoor water use is often difficult to obtain Read more

District News Articles
6/15/2007
2007 XERISCAPE SEMINAR PROGRAM AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS

Over 100 Platte Canyon customers participated in this spring’s Xeriscape seminar series. The seminars have grown in popularity in recent years as customers respond to water restrictions, hot, dry summer weather, and increasing water rates. Read more

District News Articles
6/1/2007
EMERGENCY CONTACT REMINDER

To report problems with water service, sewer service, or possible water leaks, please contact Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District at 303-979-2333. After hours emergency calls Read more

District News Articles
5/4/2007
GOVERNOR BILL RITTER PROCLAIMS MAY 4TH - 10TH COLORADO DIG SAFELY WEEK

In celebration of the implementation of the national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811, Governor Bill Ritter has proclaimed that May 4th through May 10th be COLORADO DIG SAFELY WEEK. Read more

District News Articles
5/4/2007
PLATTE CANYON CELEBRATES DRINKING WATER WEEK MAY 6TH THROUGH MAY 12TH

The American Water Works Association (AWWA), the authoritative resource on safe water in North America, will kick off its 30th Annual National Drinking Water Week beginning May 6th, in celebration of our most precious natural resource. Read more

District News Articles
4/27/2007
“CALL BEFORE YOU DIG” IMPLEMENTS A NATIONAL 811 CALL NUMBER

Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? 811 is the new number you must call before you begin any digging project. Read more

District News Articles
4/27/2007
SUMMER WATERING PROGRAM FOR 2007

Warm weather is here and it’s time to start thinking about water for lawns, gardens, and flower beds. On April 18th the Denver Board of Water Commissioners decided that customers of Denver Water, including Platte Canyon/Southwest Metropolitan customers, will continue to have watering restrictions this summer in order Read more

District News Articles
4/13/2007
HOW MUCH WATER AND SEWER SERVICE PIPE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY WHEN THE PIPES BREAK?

District maintenance and customer service representatives are frequently asked who is responsible to repair breaks on the water and sewer service pipes--the District or the customer? Read more

District News Articles
4/6/2007
PLATTE CANYON GROWS BY 9.8 ACRES

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has approved the inclusion of 9.8 acres of land located north of W. Bowles Ave. between Bell Flower Dr and S. Laurel Pl. The property is owned Read more

District News Articles
4/6/2007
2007 WATER QUALITY REPORT

Denver Water is currently mailing the 2007 Water Quality Report with Platte Canyon customer water bills. The report contains a wealth of information about not only the quality of your water but, also, about where your water comes from and how it is treated before it is delivered Read more

District News Articles
3/30/2007
WATER MAIN FLUSHING BEGINS

District News Articles
3/30/2007
DENVER’S TAP WATER CLEANEST IN THE COUNTRY

In a recent article, Men’s Health magazine ranked Denver Water’s tap water as the cleanest in the Country. Read more

District News Articles
3/23/2007
PLATTE CANYON BOARD PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR WATER EDUCATION

For the 4th consecutive year, the Platte Canyon Board of Directors has authorized funding for the Learning to be WaterWise water education program. Expenditures will be shared equally by the District and Denver Water Department to supply program materials to teachers and fifth grade students at participating Read more

District News Articles
3/16/2007
DISTRICT XERISCAPE SEMINARS EXTREMELY POPULAR

The District’s series of landscaping and irrigation efficiency seminars are very much in demand this spring. The following seminars are very close to being filled so if you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to attend these FREE seminars please call Read more

District News Articles
3/9/2007
WHAT IS A CURB STOP AND WHY DO I CARE?

District maintenance employees are occasionally asked to respond to situations where broken sprinkling system pipes or water service lines are flooding adjacent properties. When no one is home at the site of the break, the District must act to prevent property damage and water loss. Read more

District News Articles
3/2/2007
KNOW WHAT TO DO IF A LEAK OCCURS

The District occasionally receives calls from distressed homeowners that are experiencing a water leak and do not know how to shut off their water. While the District will dispatch maintenance employees to assist homeowners in these situations, Read more

District News Articles
2/23/2007
NEW EMAIL UPDATE SERVICE AVAILABLE

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District has started a brand new free service that will automatically keep you notified when specific areas of our website are updated. These areas include: Read more

District News Articles
2/16/2007
DISTRICT RECEIVES NEW TELEVISION INSPECTION UNIT

District News Articles
2/8/2007
PLATTE CANYON SIGNS SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LOCHMOOR WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of Platte Canyon has agreed to provide sanitary sewer maintenance and general administrative services to Lochmoor Water and Sanitation District. An intergovernmental agreement similar to contracts previously executed with Read more

District News Articles
2/2/2007
EMERGENCY CONTACT REMINDER

To report problems with water service, sewer service, or possible water leaks, please contact Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District at 303-979-2333. After hours emergency calls are Read more

District News Articles
1/26/2007
2007 XERISCAPE SEMINARS AND SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Platte Canyon is once again pleased to sponsor a series of Xeriscape landscaping and irrigation efficiency seminars to help our customers enjoy a beautiful yard without wasting water or money. The series has grown in popularity as customers respond to water restrictions, hot, dry summer weather, and increasing water rates. Read more

District News Articles
1/26/2007
JUST RELEASED! XERISCAPE MAINTENANCE JOURNAL – VOLUME IV

The fourth volume of the popular Xeriscape Maintenance Journal series has just been released. The Xeriscape Maintenance Journal – Evidence of Care is a beautiful full color booklet that provides a wealth of information on Xeriscape plant materials and Xeriscape landscaping techniques and practices. Read more

District News Articles
1/12/2007
Construction Projects Planned for 2007

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has approved four capital construction projects for 2007. The projects, which are expected to cost $389, 296, are part of the District’s Capital Master Plan for 2007-2016. The plan projects expenditure of Read more

District News Articles
1/5/2007
Board Adopts 2007 Budget

The budget for 2007 was adopted by the Platte Canyon Board of Directors on December 1, 2006. The budget calls for expenditure of $3,097,687, 2.0 percent more than budgeted in 2006. General fund expenditures are expected to be $1,725,192 while capital expenditures are budgeted at $1,372,495. Total revenue expected in 2007 is $2,358,426. The $739,261 difference Read more

District News Articles
1/5/2007
Water Conservation Rebate Program Continues Through 2007

Denver Water Department's Conservation Rebate Incentive Program for customers who replace water guzzling fixtures and equipment with water efficient models will continue throughout 2007. Read more

District News Articles
12/14/2006
Denver Water Increases Rates

Beginning January 1, 2007 Platte Canyon customers may or may not be paying more for water service. Why the uncertainty? Because Denver Water approved some significant changes in the rate structure that will make water bills much more sensitive to the amount of water used. Read more

District News Articles
1/1/2006
District Xeriscape Garden Brochure Arrives

Now available at the District office is the official guide to the Robert G. Koran Memorial Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, entitled Welcome to the Southwest Metropolitan & Platte Canyon XeriscapeTM Garden. Read more

District News Articles
1/1/2006
Memorial Fund Established for Denver Water Employee

District News Articles
1/1/2006
Protect Your Property From Sewer Backups

On numerous occasions, District maintenance staff have responded to sewer backup reports received from distressed homeowners who have lost valuable property that was stored on a basement floor near a floor drain. If a sewer service pipe or sewer main becomes clogged, wastewater backs up in the pipe and may surface through basement floor drains. If not detected and corrected immediately the backup can spread and contact items which have been boxed and stored in a seemingly remote area of the basement. Read more

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Denver Water Increases Rates

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Insurance Protection Against Sewer Backups

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Call Before You Dig!

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Routine Fire Hydrant Maintenance

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Webster St. Water Main Replacement Work to Begin

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Depew Way Water Main Replacement Work to Begin

District News Articles
11/25/2005
What Is Involved in Replacing a Water Main?

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Water Conservation Rebate Program Ongoing But With Changes

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Platte Canyon Changes Board of Directors Meeting Date

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Littleton Raises Sewer Rates and Tap Fees

District News Articles
11/25/2005
It's Not Only A Water Quality Report

District News Articles
11/25/2005
New Employees

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Summer Watering Program for 2006

District News Articles
11/25/2005
How to Get Paid for Saving Water

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Xeriscape Landscaping and Irrigation Efficiency Sessions

District News Articles
11/25/2005
Director Election Results in One New Board Member

District News Articles
11/25/2005
PLATTE CANYON BOARD PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR WATER EDUCATION