Water Department

The Buena Vista Water Department's objective is to provide high-quality, safe, clean water to the Town's water customers conveyed by reliable treatment and distribution.

The Water Department provides the following services:

  • Water line locations
  • Meter and service line inspections
  • New main inspections
  • Treatment plant operations and maintenance
  • Service line and meter sizing
  • Read meters
  • Turn off/on curb valves
  • Leak detection
  • Water quality testing
  • Administration of Water Supply Protection District
  • Management of backflow and cross-connection control program
    • What is Backflow? Backflow is when the water in your pipes (the pipes after the water meter) goes backward (in the opposite direction from normal flow). Please view and download the backflow information brochure (PDF). 
    • Two situations that can cause a backflow condition. The first is “Back Pressure” – a pressure greater than the supply pressure that may cause backflow (high-pressure boiler or pressure washer). The second is “Back Siphonage” – the creation of a backflow resulting from negative pressure (water main break or use of fire hydrants).
    •  As per the Buena Vista Municipal Code, please be aware of the following as it relates to backflow and cross-connections:
      • Sec. 13-46. Cross-connections; customer plumbing. No cross-connections between the Town water system and any other water supply line shall be permitted. All customer plumbing shall be in compliance with the Uniform Plumbing Code.
      • Sec. 13-103. Disconnection of service. (c) The service of water to any building, property or premises may be discontinued by the Town upon not less than ten (10) days' written notification if an unprotected cross-connection is found to exist on the premises, if any defect is found in an installed backflow protection device, or if a backflow prevention device has been removed or bypassed. Water service shall not be restored until such condition or defect is corrected. (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection (c) above and Subsection (e) below, the Town may summarily discontinue water service to a building, property or premises without advance written notice where, in the opinion of the Director of Public Works, such action is necessary to protect the purity of the Town's public water supply or the Town's public water system.

View the current Drinking Water Quality Report (PDF).

Preliminary Design Report for the Water Treatment Plant 2021

JVA Consulting Engineers presents the Preliminary Design Report for the Town of Buena Vista Water Treatment Plant, September 30, 2021.

View the Preliminary Design Report for Water Treatment Plant 2021 (PDF)

Water Resources Master Plan

The 20-Year Water Resource Master Plan has been finalized and is available for review at Town Hall and the Public Library.

View the Water Resources Master Plan 2021 (PDF).

Water Conservation Tips

Outside watering accounts for 50% of water used during the summer months. While the Town of Buena Vista does not have water restrictions, the best times to water are before 10:30 a.m. and after 7:30 p.m. This will reduce evaporation.

More helpful water tips:

  • Water only when a soil probe shows dry soil or it becomes difficult to push a screwdriver into the soil.
  • Weeds are water thieves and will rob your plants of nutrients and water.
  • Mow infrequently and cut your lawn higher than normal.
  • Use hose washers between spigots and hoses to eliminate leaks.
  • Consider drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs.
  • Mulch around trees and flowers to preserve moisture.
  • Washing the car at a local car wash can save up to 200 gallons per wash.

Bathroom usage represents 45% of the total water utilized in a household.

A few tips for inside water usage are:

  • Install a low-flow shower head which uses 2.5 gallons a minute. A regular shower head uses six to seven gallons a minute!
  • Check your toilet for leaks. A leaky toilet loses 15 gallons per day; a running toilet loses five gallons per minute!
  • Brushing your teeth with water running accounts for two gallons of wasted water, shaving five to ten gallons of wasted water.
  • Place a quart or a gallon jug of water in the toilet tank, and you will save that much water when flushing.
  • Fill your dishwasher completely before running.

Keep in mind that we live in an arid climate. Being a good steward of our water ensures adequate water in the future. Changing a few lifestyle water habits is easy. Let's work together to keep your town green.

Sewer Service

If you have questions about local sewer service, please be aware that this is handled by the Buena Vista Sanitation District rather than the Town. You can contact the BVSD at 719-395-8095.

Water Billing

Water Fill Station

Water Tap Information

If you need to apply for a water tap, please download the appropriate form:

Forms and Documents
Bulk Water Account Application for Water Fill Station (PDF)
Construction Water Permit Application (PDF)
Water Supply Protection District Application (PDF)

Links
American Water Works Association
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Colorado Rural Water Association
Colorado WaterWise Council