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How can we help you?

1. Suspect a leak?
2. Advanced leak troubleshooting
3. Want to monitor your water usage?
4. Winterizing your sprinkler system and pipes
5. When the temperature drops
6. How do I shut off my water?
7. Frozen Pipes?
8. Meter information
9. Discolored water?
10. Backflow preventer/ vacuum breaker questions?
11. About Pressuring Reducing Valves (PRVs)
12. What is an irrigation shut-off valve?
13. What is a main shut-off valve?
14. What is a meter pit?
15. What is a transmitter?
16. What is a water meter?
17. Request a Service Call
18. Payment Information
19. Billing Schedule
20. E-Billing and Other Billing Options
21. Online Access: Viewing Your Usage, Paying Your Bill or Managing Your Account
22. Paying Online FAQs

1. Suspect a leak? Check all fixtures and appliances in your home, or have a plumber check the following:

Toilets are the most notorious of leaky appliances. Sometimes the leak can be obvious. Sometimes they can be subtle and difficult to detect. Is the water in the bowl moving, jiggling, or rippling? Can you hear water flowing, a slight hissing or gurgling sound?

TIPS

Remove the toilet tank lid and observe the overflow pipe. Look and listen for any unusual water movements or sounds.
Some toilets may produce an intermittent filling sound. Listen as the tank releases water very slowly then a valve opens and the tank refills. This may present itself as the sound of an open faucet for several seconds and then an abrupt stop.
Add a blue dye tablet to the tank and observe the bowl for blue color when the toilet is not in use.

Leaky faucets may show signs of dripping, corrosion, or mineral build up in the sink, shower head or outside hose bibs.

TIP

Look for corrosion or mineral build up.

Regarding your water heater, the pressure relief valve is usually a small valve located on the side of a water heater tank, with a copper pipe running down the side of the tank to the floor, and typically has a 90 degree bend and extends to a floor drain.

TIP

This valve normally does not drain too often. Frequent or continuous draining could indicate a problem and a professional plumber should be consulted.

Other household appliances such as icemakers, dishwashers, clothes washers, whole house humidifier systems and swamp coolers may have exits for water flow or drains that might not be easily observed. These appliances may be working as intended but still indicating a potential leak.

Outside leaks can also be the cause of lawn irrigation systems, ponds, fountains, pools, or hot tubs.

TIPS

Run your irrigation system and check each cycle for broken sprinkler heads, loose connections and swampy areas.
Check valves, especially solenoid valves that may be stuck partially open. Often, water may leak undetected directly into the ground and may not be observed at the surface.
Ponds with self filling water valves may have a leak in the liner causing the fill valve to stay open more than desired or almost continuously.
Check fountains or self contained recycling steams with automatic fill valves.
A leak in the walls or lining of a swimming pool could cause a significant loss of water. Evaporation on hot days could also result in high water usage. Explore the use of a cover by consulting your pool supply expert.
Most hot tubs include evaporation and heat loss covers which you will want to use as often as possible. If you need to add water to a hot tub regularly you may have an undetected leak. Consult your hot tub professional.

Request Leak Adjustment

Please complete our leak adjustment form to be considered for a leak adjustment. Please contact our office with questions.

2. Advanced leak troubleshooting All homes are equipped with a water meter and a leak indicator. If the meter is located in the basement of your home, the leak indicator is readily available. If it is in a meter pit outside of your home, you will want to contact our office and request a leak check .

Troubleshooting using your home leak indicator: The leak indicator is a small red gear-like dial a little smaller than a dime, with six small teeth. One of the teeth is slightly larger than the other five. By observing this dial for several minutes it is possible to see if it is revolving clockwise. In the absence of leaks, with all valves shut off, the leak indicator will not turn. If turning, even slowly, this could indicate a leak, and the faster it is turning, the bigger the leak. Again, in some situations the leak may be intermittent which is why you would want to observe it for several minutes.

Troubleshooting using your water meter: Another way to monitor a leak is by observing the water meter. Write down the reading. The reading is similar to a car’s odometer. The numbers on the display indicate how many gallons have passed through the meter. The last zero on the display is static. The final number can be calculated by looking at the large red pointer and corresponding digits on the outside edge of the meter, even to the tenths of a gallon (the single line increments between the whole numbers). For example, the reading might be “0005610.” This would be the 6 revolving digit wheels and the painted on zero. This would be read as 0,005,610 gallons. Upon closer observation if you notice the red dial pointing about a third of the way between the 4 and the 5 on the outside edge of the meter face, this could be interpolated as 0,005,614.3 gallons. By writing down an exact reading like this, and assuming no appliances or valves are intentionally open, you can check the reading again at regular intervals of 1 to 2 to 5 minutes to see if the dial is moving. If moving, you can multiply the number of gallons per minute by the number of minutes per day to get the number of gallons per day that is leaking out of your system.

Isolating the leak: After you’ve determined you have a leak, the next step is isolating your potential leak by narrowing down the possibilities. If you elect to follow this course, you will want to start with the easiest areas to isolate first, while checking the meter to see if the leak stops. To isolate an area, you will need to shut off zones and/or individual appliances.

First, make sure every faucet, and appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine are off. If you are fortunate to have multiple shut off valves in your basement this will make it easier. For example, in summer, shut off the main line water valve to your irrigation system and see if the meter leak indicator stops. If it does, this indicates you have a leak somewhere in the irrigation system. If the meter still indicates a leak, this indicates it is somewhere inside the house plumbing system. With the irrigation line valve shut, you can attempt to isolate the rest of the house. If you are fortunate enough to have a secondary shut of valve to the house, above the meter, or above the shut off or the irrigation system, you may turn that one off as well. Assuming both shut off valves are working correctly, the leak indicator should come to a complete stop. If it does not, one or both of your shut off valves may be leaking internally.

If you do not have a secondary shut off valve to the house, leave the sprinkler system shut off and begin isolating, or shutting off various appliances throughout the house until you notice the meter leak indicator stop turning. The best place to start is with the toilets. Turn off the shut off valve located at each toilet, and continue turning off toilets, sink faucets, and appliances as indicated until the meter leak indicator stops moving. Once you are able to see the leak indicator has stopped turning, you may begin to turn the appliances back on. Having done this, it should indicate which appliance was leaking. If the leak indicator runs slower at points, and/ or never completely stops turning you could have multiple leaks, such as valves that don’t close completely as well as appliances or systems that continue to allow water past the meter leak indicator, even though you believe you have everything possible, shut off. If this is the case you may need to contact a professional plumber.

Disclaimer: These troubleshooting tips are meant to assist in identifying a water leak at your home. ECCV in no way assumes liability in the actions or results of actions of a homeowner attempting to follow these troubleshooting guidelines. If you are not completely comfortable with any of these suggestions set forth above, please consult a licensed professional.

3. Want to monitor your water usage?
Monitoring with a basement water meter: If you have a meter in your basement, you can view usage by checking your water meter regularly by observing the water meter. Start by writing down the reading. The reading is similar to a car’s odometer. The numbers on the display indicate how many gallons have passed through the meter. The last zero on the display is static. The final number can be calculated by looking at the large red pointer and corresponding digits on the outside edge of the meter, even to the tenths of a gallon (the single line increments between the whole numbers). For example, the reading might be “0005610.” This would be the 6 revolving digit wheels and the painted on zero. This would be read as 0,005,610 gallons. Upon closer observation if you notice the red dial pointing about a third of the way between the 4 and the 5 on the outside edge of the meter face, this could be interpolated as 0,005,614.3 gallons.

Monitoring with an outside water meter: Customers with outside yard meters can request a remote usage monitoring device. This gauge is mounted on a magnet which you can place on your refrigerator that will allow you to monitor your usage each day rather than wait for your monthly bill. To use this service we hold a $50 check deposit. Upon retiring your service and returning the gauge, we return your original check deposit.

4. Winterizing your sprinkler system and pipes Freezing temperatures can cause pipes and your backflow preventer to freeze and burst. We recommend the following steps to winterize your home:

Blow out your sprinkler system, drain excess water from the backflow preventer and shut off the irrigation supply valve in the fall.
Detach all hoses from outside spigots. Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets to reduce the chance of water freezing in pipes.
Insulate pipes in your crawl spaces, attics, and basements. Exposed pipes are the most susceptible to freezing. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be. Seal leaks that allow cold air near your pipes.

5. When the temperature drops During cold spells, let a trickle of water run from faucets that might freeze. Letting warm water drip overnight from a faucet on an outside wall may prevent a frozen pipe. Open cabinet doors to heat pipes under sinks and near appliances. Set the thermostat no lower than 55° F.

6. How do I shut off my water? To shut off your water, use the main shut off valve. Generally it is located in the basement and has a handle or knob on the water line entering your home. It is typically located on a vertical pipe that is fed by the service line from the street to your home. Please note, fire protection sprinkler systems will be deactivated when you shut off your water.

7. Frozen Pipes? If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, shut off all water at the main shut off valve , turn the water faucets on and contact a plumber. Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or open flame, although a hair dryer may work. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. Don’t use electrical appliances near water because this could result in an electric shock and you could be electrocuted.

8. Meter information Water meters are located outside in your yard near the street or in your basement. Each meter has a transmitter that sends radio or long-range wireless signals so we can collect water readings once a month.

9. Discolored water? If you notice discoloration in your water, run water, specifically cold water through your pipes to try to clear it and refrain from doing laundry until the water clears. If you are unable to clear the discoloration from your water, contact ECCV.

10. Backflow preventer/ vacuum breaker questions? Blackflow preventer’s are also known as a pressure vacuum breakers, your backflow allows water to flow from your household water supply to fill your sprinkler system, and prevents water from flowing from your sprinkler system back into your household water supply. This prevents fertilizer, chemicals and residual water that seep into your sprinkler heads from flowing back into your household water supply. Click here to view image.

11. About Pressuring Reducing Valves (PRVs) Pressure Reducing Valves are compact, inexpensive devices that perform two functions: (1) automatically reduce the high incoming water pressure from the city mains to provide a lower, more functional pressure for distribution in the home; and (2) regulate by maintaining a set pressure in the home thereby insuring that the home piping and appliances operate under a safe, more moderate, but satisfactory pressure. ECCV has compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding PRVs. You may download the FAQ sheet here. To adjust your PRV, helpful information and video instructions may also be found on You Tube, such as How to Adjust a Water Pressure Reducing Valve.

12. What is an irrigation shut-off valve? An irrigation shut-off valve is a handle or knob on the water line in your house that opens and closes the water supply to your irrigation system. This supply valve is generally located on a lateral pipe that leads away from the main vertical supply pipe. The line should be shut off and winterized before freezing weather in order to prevent water from freezing and cracking your irrigation equipment. Click here to view image.

13. What is a main shut-off valve? A main shut-off valve is a handle or knob on the water line in your house that opens and closes the water supply to your household. This supply valve is generally located near the floor on a vertical pipe that is fed by the service line from the street to your house. Click here to view image.

14. What is a meter pit? A meter pit is a pit in your yard generally located near the street, capped with a metal or composite lid, to house your water meter. Homes only have a meter pit if there is an outside meter; some customers have meters in their basement. It is important to keep this area free of landscaping materials, sod, etc, so ECCV personnel has easy access to the meter. Click here to view image.

15. What is a transmitter? A transmitter is a device that employs radio signals or a long-range wireless network to transmit customers’ meter readings to a District computer. ECCV crews collect readings on water usage from each homeowner’s meter once a month. Tampering with a transmitter is prohibited and subject to fines. Click here to view image.

16. What is a water meter? A water meter is a device that measures the volume of water used at each residence to determine a monthly bill. Meters are located either outside in a meter pit or in your basement. Water meters in the District are owned, read, and maintained by ECCV. Tampering with a meter is prohibited and subject to fines. Click here to view image.

17. Request a Service Call ECCV recommends you review topics from within our “How Can We Help You?” page, if you suspect a leak, frozen pipe, frozen backflow or want to monitor your water usage.

To request a service call, please complete the following form to request a service call by clicking here and describe your problem. We will contact you concerning your request as soon as possible.

18. Payment Information ECCV offers several convenient payment options:

By mail: Mail your payment to ECCV WSD, Department 917, Denver, CO 80271-0917
Drop box: Checks may be deposited in our drop box located outside our office at 6201 S Gun Club Rd, Aurora, CO 80016.
In Person: You can make payments in our office during normal business hours. We are located on the northwest corner of Smoky Hill Road and Gun Club Road. Cash and checks are accepted at our payment window. If you prefer to use a credit card, you can use the payment kiosk located inside our lobby.
Online E-Check: You can make a onetime electronic payment from your checking or savings through our website.
Monthly debit from your checking or savings (ACH): Never miss a payment again! ECCV will debit your checking or savings account each month the balance due on the due date so you never need to worry about forgetting to pay your bill. Your statements will indicate when ACH is set up and your bill will be paid automatically. Enroll online or print and complete the Automatic Payment Authorization Form . Mail or drop off the form at the ECCV District Office at 6201 S. Gun Club Road, Aurora, CO 80016.
Recurring credit card payment (RCC): Never miss a payment again! ECCV will debit your credit card each month the balance due on the due date so you never need to worry about forgetting to pay your bill. Your statements will indicate when RCC is set up and your bill will be paid automatically. Enroll online or complete the Automatic Payment Authorization Form (link to Automatic Payment Form). Mail or drop off the form at the ECCV District Office at 6201 S. Gun Club Road, Aurora, CO 80016.
One time credit card transactions are accepted online through our website or in person at the ECCV District Office via our payment kiosk. We accept VISA, Mastercard and Discover.

If you have any questions regarding any of these payment options, please call our offices at (303) 693-3800 to speak with customer service.

19. Billing Schedule ECCV has three different residential billing cycles depending on your subdivision. Each billing cycle receives a billing statement once a month.

Cycle Map

BILLING CYCLE 1

Cherrybrook
Farm at Arapahoe County
Hills at Piney Creek
Piney Creek
Piney Creek Village
Smoky Hill

Bill Date: 1st week of the month
Due Date: 28 days from read date

Note: Billing Changes made effective starting December 2009

	BILLING CYCLE 2
	Fox Hills Greenfield Jackson Farms Parkbrough Parkview Saddle Rock Ranches Siena Smoky Hill Village Smoky Ridge Stonetree Tuscany Bill Date: 2nd week of the month Due Date: 28 days from read date

	BILLING CYCLE 3
	Copperleaf Hampden Villas Mesa Parkview Heights Saddle Rock Ridge Spring Creek Tallgrass Trail Ridge Willow Trace Bill Date: 3rd week of the month Due Date: 28 days from read date

20. E-Billing and Other Billing Options You can receive your bill three ways:

Sign up for E-Billing and go green! Your billing statement will be emailed to your inbox rather than printed on paper and delivered to your mailbox. Statements are password protected and arrive days before your printed bill would arrive.
Receive traditional, printed, paper bills mailed to your home.
Pull your billing statement from our website.

21. Online Access: Viewing Your Usage, Paying Your Bill or Managing Your Account You can view your bill, see your history, pay your bill or manage your account by registering your account. Click View/Pay My Bill, which it will bring up the Account Login page. Simply click “Register now!" to begin the account registration process. Required fields are denoted by double asterisks. Refer to your statement or contact us for your account number. Once you have completed the account registration form, press submit to create your account.

My Account Once you login, you will see the My Account page. From this page, you can view a number of things including:

Account Status You can view your current bill's due date, any past due balance, current charges, and your total balance due.
Account History To view your account history, click on the Bill icon below View History. Once you click on this icon, you will see your Payment History and Usage History. To get back to the My Account page, click back to Account Details.
View/Pay Bill In order to view and/or pay your bill, click on the bill icon below Pay Bill. Once you click on this icon, you will see your current charges and payment methods available to you. Once your account is set up, you can also login from the homepage in the upper right hand corner.
Paying Your Bill
1. Click on the Bill icon below Pay Bill on the My Account page.
2. Note the amount due for this bill. You may change the amount you are paying this month, by entering a new amount in the Payment area.
3. Choose a payment method and press Next.
Pay With an E-Check
1. Follow the onscreen guide in order to enter the information required for the transaction. Please double check all information to ensure a successful transaction.
2. Press Submit Transaction to submit the information. (WARNING! Only click this button once to avoid multiple charges! The transaction may take several minutes to complete.)
3. Once the payment is complete, you will see the “Thank You” screen confirming that your payment was made. You can then click My Account to view the current status of your payment. You will notice that the Bill icon below Pay Bill has now been replaced with the status of your payment. Immediately following your payment submission, your status will read "Pending". Once the payment has been processed and posted, the Pay Bill link, including the "Pending" status, will be removed. However if you paid an amount less than that which is due, once the "Pending" status is removed, this link will remain active so that the remaining charges can be paid.
Pay with Debit/Credit Card
1. Enter the information required and double check all information to ensure a successful transaction.
2. Press Submit Transaction to submit the information. (WARNING! Only click this button once to avoid multiple charges! The transaction may take several minutes to complete.)
3. Once the payment is complete, you will see the “Thank You” screen confirming that your payment was made. You can then click My Account to view the current status of your payment. You will notice that the bill icon below Pay Bill has now been replaced with the status of your payment. Immediately following your payment submission, your status will read "Pending.”
4. Once the payment has been processed and posted, the Pay Bill area, including the "Pending" status, will be removed. However if you paid an amount less than that which is due, once the "Pending" status is removed, this link will remain active so that the remaining charges can be paid.

22. Paying Online FAQs
Q. What is the Online Bill Payment Service?
A. Our Online Bill Payment Service allows you the convenience of paying online without the hassle of envelopes, checks and stamps. All payments are secure and encrypted for your protection.

Q. Is E-Bill secure?
A. There are several methods used to ensure that your e-Bill account information is secure:

Sign-in ID and Password: Each E-Bill will require a password to open to prevent anyone else from viewing your bill.
SSL: We use SSL (secure sockets layer), which ensures that your connection and information are secure from outside inspection.
Encryption: We use 40-bit or 128-bit encryption (whichever your browser supports) to make your information unreadable as it passes over the Internet.

Q. Are credit cards accepted for payment?
A. Yes, credit cards are accepted as payment. Simply choose this payment method when paying your bill online.

Q. Are checks accepted for payment?
A. Yes, we accept checks as payment. Simply choose this payment method when paying your bill online.

Q. What if I’ve been disconnected?
A. Please contact a customer service representative at 303.693.3800, so that we can verify your payment and restore service.

Q. Who do I contact if I have questions about my E-Bill?
A. Please contact a customer service representative at 303.693.3800.

Q. How do I update my email address or other personal information?
A. Please contact a customer service representative at 30

ECCV Water & Sanitation District
6201 S. Gun Club Rd.
Aurora, CO 80016
(303) 693-3800
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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