Why do I pay Availability to Service Fees on vacant property?
Once water and/or wastewater lines are available to within 100 feet of the property, by State Statute, the District is able to assess an Availability Fee. The monies collected can only be used to retire Municipal bonds sold by the District to finance major capital improvements. When the property is actually connected to the water and/or wastewater system, the Availabiltiy Fee is no longer charged and is replaced by the service charge.  Click here for more information on the Availability to Service Fee.

If I am not using any water, why do I still pay a water bill?
Anytime water is available for use, the minimum monthly service charge is assessed. These charges help defray the cost of reading meters, billing and maintenance of the water distribution system.

Why does my water bill show 4000 gallons usage during the winter months?
The District does not read residential water meters during the months of November through March. During the winter months, when residential meters are not read, customers will be billed based upon the average winter use for our District. This average usage of 4000 gallons per month, billed at the current rate per gallon, plus the monthly service charge will be billed each month. In April, when actual meter reading is resumed, your actual usage will be compared to the amount billed over the winter period and if your usage exceeds the estimated amount the additional gallons will be billed. If your usage is less than the billed amount a credit will be reflected on your account.

How could I use so much water?
Excess water usage can be attributed to a variety of factors such as leaky toilets or faucets. A leak 1/16th inch in diameter can waste approximately 24,667 gallons in a month! Outdoor watering can also use a tremendous amount of water. Water conservation and responsible landscaping material is available at the District office and we would be happy to assist you!

What should I do if my water usage is too high and I think that I might have a leak?
The District is happy to send out a technician to check your water meter. When no one is using water in the home, the technician will check to see if the water meter continues to spin. This is one method of checking for a leak that may not be as evident as a leaky faucet or toilet. There is no charge for this service! So just call the office.

Where can I pay my bill?
Payments may be made at either branch of Citizens Bank as long as you have the payment stub portion of your billing statement. Payments also can be brought to the District office at 100 Lyn Ave. during normal business hours. The District also offers automatic bank draft service.

How do I replat or combine lots?
Depending on jurisdiction, you would need to contact either the Town of Pagosa Springs (970-264-4151) or Archuleta County Planning Department (970-264-5851). Please provide the District with the recorded Resolution in order for your billing to be adjusted.

How much water does an average family use?
164 gallons per person per day! This is an annual average which includes irrigation.

I am selling my property. How do I have my water and wastewater billings changed into the new owner’s name?
If you are closing the transaction through a title company, the District will automatically be notified after the transaction is recorded. The title company will take care of any pro-ration of your current charges between you and the buyers of your property. If the sale of your property is not being handled by a title company, you will need to bring the recorded deed into the District office.

How do I change my billing address?
The District requires that a change of address be in writing. You can send a note with your payment, fax us the information or print out the Change of Address Request form and send it to the office.

I am renting a house, how can I get have the billings sent directly to my address as a tenant?
The owner of the property is always ultimately responsible for the water and/or wastewater bills, so their name must remain on the account; however with the owner’s permission, the bills can be sent to you directly. Please see the Request to have billing sent to tenant address form.

What are the PH and the hardness of the water in the Pagosa Springs area?
The eastern or downtown area of Pagosa Springs is typically served by the Snowball Water Treatment Plant and the average PH is 7.8 and hardness is generally in the 1.92 grains/gallon or 33 milligrams/liter range. The western portion including the Pagosa Lakes area is typically served by the San Juan Water Treatment Plant, the Stevens Water Treatment Plant or the Hatcher Water Treatment Plant. The average PH is 8.2 and the hardness is generally in the 8.72 grains/gallon or 150 milligrams/liter range.