IHWD News

Before you dig

Before You Dig !

The safest and only legal way to dig is to know what’s below ground before your shovel or equipment moves any dirt. Even small projects like planting a shrub require you to make advance arrangements to learn what’s buried below before you turn the earth, or pound in a fence post.

In 2007, a national three-digit number – 811 – went into effect to make the call simple to remember. When you call 811, you contact the “one-call center,” which arranges, at no cost to you, for utilities like IHWD or Xcel Energy, or Comcast, etc. to locate and mark buried utilities in your dig area. We will come out and locate IHWD water lines. Do you know where your septic lines and tank are located?

After you make the call:

• Mark the area where you’ll dig with white paint or flags
• Wait your state’s required time (normally up to three days) before digging to allow time for all utilities to locate their buried lines
• Respect the marks such as colored flags, paint or stakes that indicate where lines are buried
• Then dig with care and by hand is preferred, but never closer to the mark than allowed by your state.

Meter Reading Reminder

Meter Readings

To keep the system working efficiently, everyone must do their part. This includes every meter being read on a monthly basis. An increasing number of meters are not being read, forcing water usage to be estimated.  This is a problem as it hinders the staff in monitoring the flow of water,  the detection of leaks, and other important data that needs to be recorded.  Please read your meters by the 25th of every month !  You may send your reading in with your payment, OR, you may e-mail it, call it in to the office or drop it by, BUT, actual readings need to be done monthly.  If your meter readings aren’t submitted to the office by the first business day of the next month, a water district employee will have to read your meter and you will incur an additional $15 fee.

Thank You to all the customers that read their meters each month. Your monthly efforts are very much appreciated!

Electical Warning

Electrical Warning

It has recently come to our attention that the main electrical systems in some Indian Hills homes may be, or have been grounded to the copper  water pipes in the house. The Indian Hills Water District uses plastic water lines which may not provide the proper electrical ground. If you are unsure if your house is properly grounded, we suggest that you call a licensed electrician to check the grounding of your homes electrical system for your safety.

Winterizing Tips

Winterizing Tips

Winter is approaching, and the cold weather can damage your pipes and cause water loss. Consider the following before it is too late:

· Insulate pipes exposed to the cold or located on outside walls to protect them from freezing.

· Wrap “problem area” pipes with electric heat tape to prevent freezing. Make sure the heat tape is in good repair to prevent shorts and fires and be sure the heat tape has been plugged in.

· Open the doors of your sink base cabinet in order to allow warm air to reach water pipes

· Don’t leave water dripping as it wastes the water, raise your water bill significantly and can damage the septic system

Please call either Randy or John at the Water District if you have concerns you would like to discuss.