August 2017

62 W. Plaza Dr. | Highlands Ranch | 303-791-0430 
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Water Efficiency Tip 
Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for water, nutrients and sunlight. And remember to avoid using herbicides. 
Household Chemical Roundup sets record
The Highlands Ranch Household Chemical Roundup took place Saturday, Aug. 12. The Highlands Ranch event continues to be a well attended event by residents throughout Douglas County. A record 1,517 cars went through the line, which equates to roughly 1,745 households. There were 104 volunteers, including staff from Centennial Water, Highlands Ranch Metro District and Tri-County Health who helped at the event.  
 
If you missed the event and have some unused or unwanted household chemicals to discard, visit the Castle Rock Household Chemical Roundup Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Town of Castle Rock Water, 175 Kellogg Court, Castle Rock. Residents simply drive up and volunteers will unload the materials. Please bring proof of residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill, and $25 per vehicle to offset the high cost of hazardous waste disposal. 
 
Click here for more information about the Castle Rock event.
Water saving tips for students heading back to school
  • Send kids to school with a reusable water bottle and suggest they fill it up throughout the day.
  • If you don't drink all of your water at lunch, pour what's left on the grass or on a plant.
  • Reward kids for following water saving tips.
  • As you get ready for school at home, keep showers to five minutes in duration.
  • Place a bucket under the school water fountain and use the excess water in the landscape.
  • Be on the lookout for wasted water and report what you see to the school administration.
August is National Water Quality Month
Centennial Water is celebrating National Water Quality Month in August. Our staff takes the following steps to ensure clean water quality for Highlands Ranch.
  • All water delivered to customers is first treated and disinfected to the highest standards and drinking water regulations
  • Every month, 100 drinking water samples are collected to ensure water is free of harmful bacteria and to check disinfection levels.
  • Each day water samples from our surface water and groundwater treatment plants are tested to confirm the water meets drinking water quality standards.
  • Each day water samples are collected at the wastewater treatment plant to ensure the treated wastewater discharged to the South Platte River meets stream water quality standards.
  • Every six months water samples from 60 homes are tested for lead and copper to ensure levels are below EPA recommended limits.
  • Staff monitor and regulate the wastewater discharged by businesses and industries to ensure harmful chemicals are not put in the sewer system.

To learn more, read Centennial Water's annual Water Quality Report by clicking here. 
Did you know?
Centennial Water customers spend 60% of their annual water use on outdoor irrigation. In comparison, outdoor water use accounts for about 55% of residential water use in the Front Range area.
What you can do to help improve water quality
Centennial Water is doing its part to ensure clean water for the community. Are you? Every household plays a role in the quality of water available in the community. Here are a few steps you can take at home to help improve water quality in Highlands Ranch -
  • Refrain from using antibacterial soaps and cleaning products.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or sink drain.
  • Do not dispose of solvents, oil and grease down the kitchen sink.
  • Keep storm drains free of dirt, debris, household chemicals and petroleum products.
  • Fix car and truck fluid leaks and put liners in driveways, as needed, to prevent release into the stormwater system.
  • Choose nontoxic household chemical products when possible.
  • Properly dispose of pet waste.
  • Recycle unused paint and used oil products.
  • Use fertilizers sparingly.
  • Sweep up grass clippings and yard debris.
Save the date: Oct. 28
Dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs at the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.   
 
When: Oct. 28
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Douglas County Sheriff's Office Highlands Ranch Substation,  
9250 Zotos Dr., Highlands Ranch