FAQs • Town of Castle Rock • CivicEngage

What is backflow and what causes it?: Backflow (cross-connection) is the flow of water and other substances into the potable supply from any source other than its intended source. In other words, it's when potentially hazardous substances get forced or sucked into the drinking water system. Backflow is caused by backpressure (pressure on the house side of the meter is greater than the supply side) or by backsiphonage (negative pressure causing substances to be sucked into the supply lines). Backsiphonage (the effect is like a soda straw) can occur when a leak, line break or heavy usage causes the pressure in water lines to drop below the pressure in other areas of a home. Both cause a reversal of normal water flow, possibly drawing contaminated water into the public water supply system.

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Water - General Information

1. Why does the Town have watering restrictions?: Water used for outdoor irrigation accounts for the largest demand on our water system. Watering schedules have been in effect since 1985 to help level out peak demand and make customers more attentive to water usage. Increasing water efficiency can save the Town, and its rate payers, millions of dollars in new infrastructure, help stabilize future rates, protect the investments of property owners, and most importantly, extend the life of our aquifers. Watering schedules are in effect May 1 through September 30.

2. How do I report a water break?: If you see water excessive water running down the street, call Castle Rock Water, 720-733-6000, and for after-hours, press 1. (This will reach the Police Department who will dispatch to the water on-call staff.) If you suspect a leak within your home, turn off the main water valve near the meter. You can check for leaks within your home using these easy steps.

3. How do I report a water waste violation?: Please call Castle Rock Water, 720-733-6017 or email Water Conservation. Castle Rock Water will send our water monitors to investigate the issue. Water waste violations are typically excessive water running over sidewalks and down the street, watering on the wrong scheduled day, watering during the day (between 8 am to 8 pm), or broken irrigation equipment.

4. How are water meters read?: All water meters in the Town are read for actual usage the first three days of the month and bills are generated and mailed between the 6th and 9th of the same month. Meters are read remotely using a small radio transmitter that is connected to the water meter. The radio device collects a reading from the meter and transmits the reading to a collection/receiver device located in a vehicle that's being driven through your neighborhood.

5. If I see a spike in my water bill, what could it mean?: Unaccounted spikes in water use are most likely a result of a leak. Castle Rock Water recommends checking for water flow through the meter to see if there is a potential leak. Find the steps here. Check to see if you qualify for a leak adjustment on your bill.

6. What can I do about changes in pressure in my water?: Most changes in pressure (99%) are a result of internal plumbing issues, such as a deteriorating Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) or backflow device. Because of our system's hydraulic engineering, construction typically does not interfere with pressure, even as more homes are added to the pressure zone. See how to adjust your PRV here. Keep in mind that internal pressures higher than 75 psi can possibly damage household appliances.

7. I got a water violation. What should I do?: Castle Rock Water has water monitors that look for water waste. This waste can include excessive water running over the sidewalk, watering on the wrong scheduled day, watering during the day, or broken irrigation equipment. The first violation is a warning with subsequent violations incurring a fee which will be applied to the water bill. Water monitors are required to have a picture and time of the infraction. If you received a violation, please correct the water waste problem immediately.

8. What do I do if I see continuous water running over the sidewalk?: If you have continuous water flowing over the sidewalk, it could be caused by over-watering from you and/or your neighbors. To minimize this water, reduce watering times, incorporate cycle and soak irrigation, ensure downspouts transfer water through the landscape, and check that landscaping has not disrupted the graded drainage swales on your lot. Encourage neighbors to do the same.

9. How can I avoid frozen pipes in extreme cold?: The best way to prevent frozen pipes is by maintaining an indoor temperature of at least 55 degrees and opening cabinets to expose pipes. Open heat vents in basements or crawl spaces to allow heat to reach pipes in this area. Please do not open the metal lid to your meter pit - this causes warm air to escape and can cause additional problems.

10. What is backflow and what causes it?: Backflow (cross-connection) is the flow of water and other substances into the potable supply from any source other than its intended source. In other words, it's when potentially hazardous substances get forced or sucked into the drinking water system. Backflow is caused by backpressure (pressure on the house side of the meter is greater than the supply side) or by backsiphonage (negative pressure causing substances to be sucked into the supply lines). Backsiphonage (the effect is like a soda straw) can occur when a leak, line break or heavy usage causes the pressure in water lines to drop below the pressure in other areas of a home. Both cause a reversal of normal water flow, possibly drawing contaminated water into the public water supply system.

11. How can I protect my home from backflow (cross-connection)?: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment requires owners to test and maintain their backflow assembly(s) annually. A simple and cost-effective way to protect your home's water system is to install hose connection vacuum breakers at your connection hose-supplied outlets. Call Castle Rock Water, 720-733-6000, for more information.