Water & Sewer Emergencies
For After Hours Water & Sewer Emergencies Please Call 303-281-9338
Roxborough Water and Sanitation District has been proactive in putting together an emergency preparedness plan for its customers as it relates to water and sewer. Our purpose in doing this is to better educate our customers as to how their own family can trouble shoot water problems in their homes and to also give our customers information that would help them prepare for unanticipated disasters.
As we researched and dialogued about preparing this, we felt that one of the most complete and useful publications is the "Douglas County Emergency Preparedness Plan" that was put together by the Douglas County Citizen's Emergency Preparedness Group. A copy can be attained at the District office or on their web-site: www.douglas.co.us
Important Numbers
| All Life Threatening Emergencies | 911 |
| West Metro Fire/ Rescue - Roxborough Fire Station | 303-973-7314 |
| Douglas County Sheriff's Department | 303-660-7505 |
| Roxborough Water & Sanitation District | 303-979-7286 |
| (Electric) IREA | 303-688-3100 |
| (Gas) Xcel Energy | 303-623-1234 |
| Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant | 303-762-2600 |
| Century Link | 1-800-603-6000 |
| Roxborough Park Foundation | 303-979-7860 |
| 24 Hour Emergency Answering Service | 303-281-9338 |
| Roxborough Library | 720-981-3040 |
Water Emergency
To prevent small problems from becoming big problems, it is always a good idea for everyone above a responsible age to do a tour of their home together and locate all of the water shut-off valves for each commode, sink, washing machine and hot water heater, etc. From there you should locate the shut-off valve normally located either in your basement or crawl space for the water into your home. The next step in the flow of water would be to locate the curb stop valve or meter pit (you have one or the other) normally located near the property line as it comes from the water main.
The next step is to know how to turn the water off in the house in case you need to. Do not try to turn off the water at the curb stop. Only RWSD personnel can turn off the curb stop and main valves. If you have a situation that requires a shut off at the curb stop contact the RWSD office at (303) 979-7286 to schedule an appointment. We are happy to help.
If you find yourself in the situation of being away from your home, especially during the winter for any extended period of time you might want to consider draining your water pipes and/or hot-water tank to prevent freezing. To drain the water pipes in your home you would want to first, shut the water off at the house. Then let air into the plumbing by turning on the highest (elevation) faucet in your house and draining the water from the lowest one.
To drain the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty.
Water Supply District-Wide Emergency
In the Case of a community wide water and/or sewer problem we would all be required to respond appropriately. If the pumping of water to the District water supply is disrupted there will be a very limited supply of water available by gravity flow to most of the homes in the District. The supply depends on the period of down time and the conservation measures taken by all of the District's customers.
A water Conservation Program will be instituted when a short-term disruption of the District's water supply occurs. If the disruption continues for a longer period of time a Rationing Program will become necessary. Based on the anticipated length of disrupted service, the District will use the following guidelines
Conservation - Discontinue all outside use of water. This includes plant or yard watering, washing of cars, draining and/or refilling of hot tubs and any other use of water outside the home
Rationing - In addition to conservation, stop the use of washing machines, limit the flushing of commodes as much as possible, take showers instead of baths, limit the amount and duration of showers, do not use dishwashers or other machines that use water.
Human Consumption Only/Emergency Rationing - In addition to conservation and rationing, stop using all water that is not being used for food preparation or direct human consumption.
If a long-term disruption of the District's ability to furnish potable water to the community occurs for any reason, each individual resident would be responsible for their own individual water supply. For information on obtaining and the treatment of water see the "Douglas County Emergency Preparedness Plan"
Sewer Emergencies
The District sewer system operates on a gravity flow system until the sewer water reaches the Sewer Treatment lift station. The sewer water is then routed to the Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant for processing and treatment. In the event of a sewer emergency, please contact the District at 303-281-9338.