Water Department

The Buena Vista Water Department aims 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:

  • Locating water mains and lines
  • Meter and service line inspections
  • Service line and meter sizing
  • New main inspections
  • Water treatment plant operations and maintenance
  • Monthly meter reading
  • Turn off/on curb valves
  • Municipal system leak detection
  • Regular water quality testing, view the current Drinking Water Quality Report (PDF)
  • Administration of Water Supply Protection District
  • Management of backflow and cross-connection control program

2023 Water Allocation Policy
2023 Water Allocation Policy (PDF)

Backflow and Cross Connection Control Program

Buena Vista’s Cross Connection Control Program is designed to eliminate all existing cross connections and prevent all future cross connections to safeguard public health. We ask for your cooperation with our program and its enforcement.

What is cross connection? Plumbing cross-connections are defined as actual or potential connections between a potable and non-potable water supply. This may cause a backflow condition or a serious health hazard to occur.

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).Two situations that can cause a backflow condition.

  1. "Back Pressure" - a pressure greater than the supply pressure that may cause backflow (high-pressure boiler or pressure washer).
  2. "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. No cross-connections between the Town water system and any other water supply line shall be permitted.
  • Sec. 13-103(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.
  • Article VIII. Water Line Connections. The article relates to backflow prevention device requirements, installations, inspections, testing, and maintenance.

The Town of Buena Vista has contracted with Aqua Backflow to assist with the Water Department’s Cross Connection Control Program. Aqua Backflow may contact you to request information, require a backflow test, or more. Please note that you may be asked to test or install backflow protection where needed in accordance with Colorado Plumbing Code.

For installers and inspectors, please submit all completed tests to Aqua Backflow at Track My Backflow.

Water Billing
Water billing for all the Town of Buena Vista water customers is conducted by the Utility Clerk at Town Hall. For more information about your water bill, please go to Water Billing.

Water Fill Station
Water for purchase is available at 755 Gregg Drive from our 24/7 water fill station. For additional information or to report an issue, please go to Water Fill Station.

Preliminary Design Report for the Water Treatment Plant 2021
JVA Consulting Engineers presented the Preliminary Design Report for the Town of Buena Vista Water Treatment Plant on 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 mandatory water restrictions, the best times to water are before 9am and after 6pm 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 grass 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 a high alpine desert climate. Being a good steward of our water ensures adequate water in the future.

Water Tap Information
If you need to apply for a water tap, please download and submit the appropriate form:

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

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

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