Vail Valley Consolidated WD 1996 WCPlan

• Project Type: Water Conservation Plan
• Project Name: Vail Valley Consolidated Water District Water Conservation Plan
• Title: Water Conservation Master Plan
• Date: 1/31/1997
• County: Eagle
• Water Conservation - Doc Type: Complete Plan

Vail Valley Consolidated Water District
Water Conservation Master Plan

April 15, 1996
Page 8

a) Improve Metering Accuracy

1 ) Water meters tend to wear out and slow down with age failing to register all of the
water passing through . In 1996, the District will initiate a program to
systematically change out water meters on a scheduled basis, according to size, to
maintain accuracy.

2) The District periodically runs comparisons of monthly customer usage with
previous year records. Significant discrepancies trigger a service call to check the
accuracy the meter. Recent improvements in the computerized customer records
system have facilitated this task.

3) lITigation meters are inspected and protected against freezing by draining prior to
the winter season.

4 ) Well production meters are inspected and calibrated annually. These meters are
more susceptible to wear because of high volume of flow and the occurrence of
sand in the water.

b) Eliminate Unmetered Use

1) Fire hydrant water used for fire department training and system maintenanc'e is
estimated and reported. Fire hydrant water use by building contractors is metered.
Meters are installed on fire hydrants during the summer season only, where it is
impractical for the contractor to install a temporary service line on the job site.
Hydrant meters are read monthly.

2) Lawn sprinklers and treated water irrigation systems are metered. It has been
found that some irrigation systems have been tapped to service lines ahead of the
meters. Service calls during the summer season include a check of the irrigation
system and hose spigots to ensure they are metered. Water usage is also compared
to lawn size and condition.

c) Detect and Repair Distribution System Leaks

1) Water mains and fire hydrants are systematically checked for leakage using a
"sounding cOITelator" to detect and locate leaks on a regular periodic basis. Repair
work is initiated when leaks are discovered.

2) Booster pump stations throughout the water distribution system are routinely
checked. Daily and historical usage information is used to determine possible
leaks.

3) When making meter repair service calls service lines are checked for leakage.
This is accomplished by listening for flow sounds at the service line curb stop
valve while the meter is valved off in the building.