All about my water
Is there chlorine in my water?
Animas Water Company adds the minimal amount sodium hypochlorite to its water system to meet the State of Colorado minimum requirements. Adding a simple whole house carbon filter will remove the chlorine.
Does the AWC fluoridate its water?
Animas Water Company does not add Flouride to its water. Please review our Consumer Confidence Report for our Annual water testing report. There is a barely detectible amount of Fluoride in the water is from naturally eroding deposits.
What about the Hardness?
San Juan Basin Health Letter – Drinking Water Hardness and Your Health AWC water is moderately hard between 14 and 21 grains. This hardness is naturally occurring Calcium and Magnesium, essential minerals for human health, and it is safe to drink. Talk to your plumber about managing for hardness in the plumbing in your home. Keep the rinse agent dispenser in your dishwasher filled and add a teaspoon of “Lemi Shine” (powdered citric acid) to your detergent every load and the glasses will sparkle. Follow the directions for cleaning your coffee maker with vinegar and soak shower heads and faucet heads in vinegar a couple times per year. - April 2024 Hardness Report
Water Leaks
What if I think I have a leak?
Please contact our office. We will dispatch a water operator to your property to obtain a meter reading to determine if there is an increase in your use. Our water operator will also look at the dial on the meter to see if it is spinning which may be an indication of a leak. Depending on our findings, we may suggest you contact your plumber. **In the event your plumber needs the water shut off at the meter, have them contact our office. Let them know they should NOT be turning the meter off and on themselves. Failure to contact AWC for water shut off may result in a meter tampering fine.
Each month when we obtain meter readings, an exception report is generate. This report captures any usage which increases by 100% over your previous months use. In the summer months anything use under 25,000 gallons is not reviewed. If your property appears on the exception report, we then review your historic use from previous years during the same billing period, and at that time make a determination if a work order needs to be created. If your use creeps up each month, your account will not show on the exception report, which is why we encourage all of our customers to look at their monthly water usage on their bills and contact us with any questions.
Water Pressure
I am experiencing low water pressure
You recently returned home after an extended time away and you are experiencing low water pressure. 99% of the time this is due to a stuck pressure reducing valve.
I am experiencing high water pressure
Your pressure reducing valve has failed. The static pressure in the valley are of the Animas Water Company system is approximately 120PSI to 125 PSI. Contact your plumber to inspect and replace your pressure reducing valve as soon as possible.
WHO is RESPONSIBLE FOR WATER PRESSURE
AWC does not represent that sufficient pressure is available at any location in its system and is not responsible for low, high, or inadequate pressure. The Company will not be liable for damage to plumbing caused by high, low, or fluctuating water pressure or pressure pulses or the effects of water hammer, therefore, please ensure you have a PRV installed.
what is a pressure reducing valve (PRV)
Pressure-reducing valves decrease the incoming high pressure of water into a lower and safer pressure for your home. They are normally installed on the main water line next to the shut-off valve.
As the water flows through the valve, it passes through the diaphragm that is connected to a spring and reduces the pressure to the desired level as the water moves from the valve through the other side.
A reducing valve can also be set to any desired downstream pressure within its design limits. Once the valve is set, the reduced pressure will be maintained despite the changes in the supply pressure and system load variations.
where is my pressure reducing valve located
PRV’s are usually installed on the main water line. Locate the main shut-off valve of your home and look nearby. The PRV should be located directly next to the valve. If you are unable to locate your valve, check your basement, garage, or downstream from your water meter if your home has one
WHY DO I NEED A PRV?
Per AWC’s Rules and Regulations Section 3.5.6 - Each Member shall install an adequately sized, and properly located pressure reducing valve on his system. The Company will not be liable for damage to plumbing caused by high, low, or fluctuating water pressure or pressure pulses or the effects of water hammer. AWC does not represent that sufficient pressure is available at any location in its system and is not responsible for low, high, or inadequate pressure.
Pressure-reducing values can protect your pipes and keep your plumbing fittings from bursting due to high water pressure. High water pressure can put stress on your pipes, causing them to break or damage the plumbing fitting leading to leaks.
who is responsible for my Prv?
As the property owner, you are responsible for your PRV. Animas Water Company’s responsibility ends at the water meter and the homeowners service line is the pipeline extending from the water meter to the consumer’s building or point of use and is owned by the Member.
HOW DO I ADJUST MY PRV?
Please follow this link for instructions to adjust your PRV - Adjust my PRV