Robeson County Water System

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1. Why has my water been shut off? If your service has been disconnected, it's likely due to an unpaid balance older than 30 days. Your account becomes delinquent and subject to disconnection with overdue amounts. You'll continue receiving monthly statements showing current charges plus past-due amounts. Overdue payments must be made promptly to avoid service interruption. Watch for yellow delinquent notices mailed prior to disconnection. Contact our office with any questions.
2. Where does our water come from? We currently extract water from several Denver Basin aquifers deep beneath the District. This represents a non-renewable water source as these aquifers are enclosed by bedrock, preventing replenishment from precipitation. The District is actively pursuing sustainable water supply alternatives.
3. Why is my water brown or cloudy? Pressure changes in water mains, often caused by line flushing, hydrant maintenance, or construction activities, can disturb natural iron and manganese sediments. While aesthetically concerning, the water remains safe for consumption. Discoloration typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Avoid washing light-colored laundry until water clears. For persistent issues, contact our office at 303-858-9909 for additional line flushing.
4. Why does my water sometimes smell like rotten eggs? The most common source of sulfur odors in hot water is the water heater itself. If cold water smells fine, check your water heater temperature settings and maintenance schedule. If the odor appears in both hot and cold water, please contact us. One solution involves temporarily increasing water heater temperature to eliminate bacteria, followed by flushing the system.
5. What is the quality of our water? Our deep groundwater aquifer source provides naturally high-quality water requiring minimal treatment before distribution. Only disinfection is necessary to meet Colorado State water quality standards.
6. If water quality is good, why seek alternative sources? Aquifer water represents a finite, non-renewable resource. Without securing additional water sources, existing wells will eventually become depleted or prohibitively expensive to operate.
7. Why isn't well water free? Despite drawing from aquifers, significant costs are associated with pumping, treatment, and distribution systems. The District maintains 15 wells, treatment facilities, and extensive distribution infrastructure requiring daily monitoring and maintenance. We continuously seek ways to improve service, including securing renewable water sources.
8. Why does my water appear milky? Cloudy appearance typically results from harmless air bubbles in the water. Allowing the water to stand will permit these bubbles to dissipate, clearing the water. If cloudiness persists, please contact us for investigation.

Regional Water Issues

The Stonegate Village Metropolitan District participates in regional efforts to reduce groundwater dependence through renewable water resource acquisition. We've purchased capacity in the Reuter Hess Reservoir for long-term sustainable supply. The "sustainability charge" on your bill generates funds specifically for renewable water initiatives.

SVMD actively participates in the South Metro Water Supply Authority (SMWSA) and the Water Infrastructure and Supply Efficiency (WISE) initiative. This partnership leverages unused capacity in Aurora Water's Prairie Waters Project along with surplus Denver and Aurora water supplies. During years when Denver and Aurora don't require their full allocation, ten Douglas County entities (including SVMD) can purchase this water to reduce dependence on non-renewable groundwater.

To accommodate WISE partnership water, the District has initiated two major infrastructure projects: a Chloramines Conversion at our Water Treatment Plant and a WISE pipeline connection to transport acquired water to our facilities.

Water Disinfection Information

Our current disinfection method employs chlorination, adding controlled amounts of chlorine to municipal water to eliminate harmful microorganisms. We're transitioning to chloramination, which combines chlorine and carefully regulated ammonia levels to produce chloramines. This process remains equally effective at eliminating harmful bacteria while reducing certain disinfection byproducts (TTHMs and HAAs) and improving taste and odor qualities.

Chloraminated water remains completely safe for drinking, cooking, bathing and other daily uses. Special precautions are only needed for kidney dialysis patients, certain specialized industries, and aquarium owners.

The District is also exploring options for treated effluent reuse and capturing Lawn Irrigation Return Flows (LIRF). Additional information will be shared as these projects advance.