Fixing leaks saves water and money The most effective way to save water and money around your home is to fix leaks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks, and could be costing an extra 10% on your water bills. That’s equivalent to the amount of water needed to wash more than 300 loads of laundry. Water leaks inside and outside the home can occur at any time for a variety of reasons. Many are simple fixes such as a worn toilet flapper, loose pipe connection or showerhead with stray spray. Other leaks, such as a running toilet or broken sprinklers, may require a plumber or a landscape irrigation system professional. Centennial Water & Sanitation District, the water and wastewater provider serving Highlands Ranch, is responsible for repairing leaks on public water mains. Homeowners are responsible for leaks inside their home, the service line and sprinkler system. There are three easy steps you can take to start checking for leaks. 1. Check your water bill. How much water did you use during your last billing cycle? The average home in Highlands Ranch uses 4,000 gallons per month during winter months. If you exceeded that, it may be an indication you have a leak. You can also look for spikes in water use.
Drought conditions create need to be water wise Water is essential for the life we love. In addition to basics like drinking water and agriculture, it also fuels our recreation, businesses, and many vital industries. In a semi-arid state like Colorado, it’s particularly important for each of us to play our part, however small, in conserving such an important resource.
Monitor drought conditions at droughtmonitor. unl.edu.
Centennial Water & Sanitation District, the water and wastewater provider in Highlands Ranch, partners with Resource Central to offer free Slow the Flow sprinkler consultations. The consultation will help reduce your water waste by providing a customized watering schedule to help water your lawn more efficiently. You could save up to 5,000 gallons of water per year while still keeping your lawn healthy, just by adjusting your sprinkler system.
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The consultations will take place beginning June 14. By signing up today your name will be added to a list to be among the first to schedule a consultation. You will be contacted in late May to schedule an appointment. Resource Central technicians will wear a mask and will maintain at least six feet of social distancing during the consultation. They will also sanitize your control clock before using it and after they are done. To register for a Slow the Flow consultation, visit resourcecentral.org/ slowtheflow/sprinklers or call 303-999-3824.
Water waste makes my hair stand up.
2. Read your water meter. Take a reading during a period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same after a two-hour period, there is probably a leak. 3. Check your toilet. Conduct a dye test in each toilet in your household. Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank at the back of the toilet. After 10 minutes, look in the toilet bowl. If color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. For more tips and information, subscribe to Centennial Water’s monthly eNewsletter by sending an email to info@highlandsranch.org.
Water pressure refers to the force water exerts on the inside of pipes and is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Water pressure in Highlands Ranch can range from 45 to 150 PSI. If your water pressure is below 70 PSI and you don’t have a pressure reducing valve (PRV), you are in an area of the water system where a PRV is not needed.
The recommended maximum water pressure inside your home is 70 PSI, especially if the home has a water softener or a sprinkler system.
Rain sensor rebate - Install a rain sensor and you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $25. Turf replacement - Convert water-thirsty turf grass, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, into a water wise landscape. A rebate of $1 per square foot ($1,000 maximum), is available for the removal of any high-water-use turf grass and replacement with Xeric or drought tolerant vegetation. High-efficiency nozzles - Replace less efficient, traditional fixed spray nozzles with more efficient rotary nozzles. A rebate of $1 per nozzle is available. The non-residential maximum is $3,000. Installation costs, sales tax, and shipping and handling costs are not covered. Incentive programs are evaluated by Centennial Water staff to ensure cost effectiveness for both Centennial Water and its customers. For more information about the programs above, contact 720-240-4918 or info@highlandsranch.org. 11
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High water pressure can result in leaks, pipe damage and wasted water. High water pressure can be controlled by a PRV installed prior to the water meter. PRVs are usually located in a basement or crawl space.
Centennial Water & Sanitation District offers incentive programs to help customers become more water efficient with outdoor irrigation practices. As spring approaches and we get the bug to get our hands dirty, think about what can be done to cut back on outdoor water use. Water savings will also help put more money back in your wallet.
Spring ‘21
Pro tips for pressure reducing valves
Water savings = $ savings
