Hydrant Flushing

Each spring, we conduct our own “Spring Cleaning” by flushing the main water pipelines (mains) throughout the community to clear out naturally occurring iron and magnesium accumulation that has built up during the year. Flushing is critical to the maintenance of the distribution system.

We track isolated areas of our distribution system where there are more frequent complaints of discolored water. Beginning in 2019 we started doing more frequent, periodic flushing of these areas. Typically these are cul de sacs where our water lines dead end and don’t loop with surrounding pipes. These dead-end pipes give any naturally occurring minerals in the water that adhere to the pipe walls a good place to settle out and discolor the water. The water is safe, but seeing the discoloration is unsettling. Please always let us know when you see issues so we can track them, and please understand the field crews are not wasting water when they’re out flushing.

Pressure Fluctuation

Pressure fluctuations are common in public water systems, and the Roxborough Water and Sanitation District (District) system is no exception. These fluctuations are largely unpredictable and surprisingly troublesome. Too much water pressure can cause malfunctions in appliances, toilets, sprinkler systems, and hot water heaters – and potentially permanent damage to the home’s water system.

To mitigate harmful changes in water pressure, residences in the District are required to have a pressure-reducing valve or PRV. The PRV is typically installed on a home’s incoming water line, before the water meter. The PRV helps stabilize the incoming water pressure coming into the home to a fixed level. Because this valve protects plumbing fixtures and appliances from water fluctuations, homeowners should verify the installation and proper function of the PRV periodically and consult a licensed plumber if they have questions.

Shutting Off The Water

If you need to shut off your water or want to check for a leak in your system, you will find that most water shut-off valves are located where the main water line enters the home. Most are located in the basement and are clearly marked. Once you know where the valve is, be sure that everyone, of a responsible age, in the home is aware of its location and how to shut off the water. To protect the service line, sometimes there is a water shut-off valve located on the homeowner’s side of the water meter, outside of the District’s meter box. While this is usually not necessary, please know that a water meter located inside the home does not protect the line from the meter to the house. If you plan to have a shut-off valve installed, please notify the District’s Customer Service staff so they can schedule an inspection to make certain it is installed according to District standards. Please remember that only authorized District personnel may turn the District’s water meter off and/or on. If you have any questions about customer shut-off valves, please do not hesitate to contact the District at 303-979-7286.

Water Quality Testing

Twice a year, every year, we test the water at 60 volunteer homes for lead and copper. The homes were selected because of their location and their construction date. The ongoing study helps ensure the water quality in the Roxborough community remains safe to drink. Specifically, that no lead is being introduced into the tap water from any internal pipes.

While the District’s main pipelines and treatment process do not introduce any lead into the drinking water, it can enter tap water as a result of corrosion from lead used in water pipes found in older homes. That’s why the EPA and state regulators have required all public water systems to test for lead and copper at the faucets of specific homes. To date, there haven’t been any reportable levels of lead due to internal pipes.

Water Hardness

The hardness of RWSD Water is considered Moderate. It is measured as 100 Milligrams per Liter or 5.8 grains per gallon.