Skip to main content
Office: (719) 486-1449
Parkville Water District

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

General District Information

What area does Parkville Water District serve?

Parkville Water District provides water service to the Leadville, Colorado area, serving approximately 2,700 service connections and a population of around 5,500.

Where is the District office located?

2015 N. Poplar Street, Leadville, CO 80461

What are your office hours?

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

How can I contact the District?

Phone: 719-486-1449

Email: office@parkvillewater.org
Website: www.parkvillewater.org

Billing & Payments

When are water bills due?

Bills are mailed monthly and are due by the 10th of each month unless otherwise stated.

What payment options do you offer?

Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at our office. Visit our Billing and Payment Options page for details.

Can I go green with my billing?
Yes! You can sign up for email bills and ACH payments by calling the office or logging into your online bill account. This helps reduce paper waste and makes payments easier.

What happens if I miss a payment?

If payment is not received by the 10th, it will carry over as past due. A $15 late fee is added on the 10th of the second month if payment is still not received. Continued nonpayment may result in service disconnection. Please contact the office if you need to make payment arrangements.

New Service, Taps, and Developers

How do I apply for new water service or a new tap?
Complete a Plant Investment Fee Application and submit it to the District office. Tap fees and system development charges apply.

Where can I find the current tap fee schedule?

Our Plant Investment Fee and Use Schedule can be found under Rates and Fees on our website.

Do I need District approval for new construction or subdivision development?

Yes. All new developments, line extensions, or service requests must be reviewed and approved by the Parkville Water District Board. Contact us early in your planning process to avoid delays.

Water Quality & Conservation

Is Parkville’s water safe to drink?

Yes. Parkville Water District meets or exceeds all Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) drinking water standards. Annual Consumer Confidence Reports are available on our Water Quality Reports page.

Where does our water come from?

The District operates three reservoirs and five wells, which provide a safe and reliable water supply for our community. Parkville is very fortunate to have high quality high elevation water sources

How can I help conserve water?

Use water wisely by fixing leaks, watering lawns in the early morning, and using efficient fixtures.

Leaks, Outages & Emergencies

What should I do if I think I have a leak?

Check for visible leaks inside your home first. If you suspect a leak in the service line or see water surfacing outside, contact the District immediately.

Does Parkville help with service line repairs?

Yes. The District offers a Service Line Replacement Reimbursement program for eligible leaks on customer-owned service lines. Contact the District for details and reimbursement instructions.

How do I report a water main break or emergency?

Call our 24-hour emergency number at 719-486-1449.

Why is my water temporarily shut off?

Temporary shutdowns may occur for system maintenance or repairs.

Water Access & Bulk Water

Does Parkville provide bulk water?

Yes. Parkville has a Bulk Water Station located at the corner of 14th and Harrison.

How does the Bulk Water Station work?

  • Payment is made using a credit card at the machine.
  • The cost is $9.94 per 1,000 gallons, with a minimum of 1,000 gallons.
  • The station includes a 2″ adapter hose and a garden hose.
  • Use the truck fill option for the 2″ hose and the barrow fill option for the garden hose.

Water Rates

How are residential water rates structured?

  • Base Rate: $66/month (includes 3,000 gallons).
  • ADU Rate: $16.50/month.
  • Excess Usage: $6.93 per 1,000 gallons above 3,000.

What are the commercial water rates?

  • Applies to 1″ and larger services.
  • Base Rate: $82.60/month (includes 4,000 gallons).
  • Excess Usage: $7.58 per 1,000 gallons above 4,000.
  • Applies equally for 1″, 1.5″, 2″, 3″, and 4″ services.

What about customers outside District boundaries?
They pay 1.5× the in-District rates.

Plant Investment Fees (Tap Fees)

What is a Single Family Equivalent (SFE)?

  • Defined as one detached house or one dwelling unit (apartment, condo, mobile home).
  • Based on a ¾″ meter — sufficient for one family’s indoor and outdoor use.

What are the SFE adjustments for extra features?

  • Extra bedroom: +0.1 SFE
  • Extra bathroom: +0.15 SFE
  • Extra kitchen: +0.15 SFE

How are ADUs and studios counted?

  • ADU: 0.25 SFE
  • Studio apartment: 0.60 SFE

How are hotels, motels, and dorms calculated?

  • Guest room (no kitchen): 0.5 SFE
  • Guest room (with kitchen): 0.6 SFE
  • B&B guest room: 0.4 SFE
  • Manager/Operator quarters: 1.0 SFE

What are the Plant Investment Fees (as of Jan 1, 2025)?

  • ¾″: $13,200
  • 1″: $17,710
  • 1½″: $40,232
  • 2″: $66,000
  • 3″: $144,540
  • 4″: $254,100
  • Larger: Determined by District Board

Policies, Records & Governance

How can I request public records?

Public records can be requested through our Open Records Request Form, available on the Policies and Documents page.

Do you have policies for property disposal or special district operations?

Yes. District resolutions and policies are available upon request

When does the Board of Directors meet?

Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at the Parkville Water District office. Agendas are posted at Parkville Water District office, the Post Office and the Court House

New Construction

What does the Standard Specification Manual cover?
It covers all materials, labor, equipment, and related items necessary to install water service lines and appurtenances in compliance with Parkville Water District standards.

Why does the District require construction standards?
To ensure all water lines and appurtenances are safe, reliable, and maintainable, with proper access for inspections and future repairs.

Who must comply with the specifications?
Any contractor, developer, or owner installing or modifying water services that connect to the District’s system must follow these requirements.

Accepted Pipe Materials

What types of pipe are accepted for water service connections?

  • Copper Tubing (Type K)
    • Sizes: ¾”, 1″, 1.5″, or 2″ diameter
    • Seamless, ASTM B88 Type K copper
    • Must meet NSF/ANSI 61 Annex G and 372
    • No lead solder joints
    • Full lengths required before splicing (e.g., 100’ for ¾”)
    • Tubing must be free of kinks or damage and properly reamed
    • A gooseneck must be installed at the corporation valve
  • Polyethylene Tubing (PE)
    • Must meet AWWA C901 and ASTM 2737 standards
    • Material: PE4710 high-density resin
    • Rated at 250 psi
    • Joints: brass compression with stainless inserts or fused
    • Full lengths required before splicing (e.g., 500’ for ¾”)
    • Dimensions must match Copper Tubing Size (CTS)
  • Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP)
    • Required for services ≥ 4 inches
    • AWWA Class 52, 350 psi rating
    • Must be designed by a licensed engineer with District approval

Service Line Fittings & Appurtenances

What corporation stops are accepted?

  • Brass/bronze Ballcorp Corporation Stops, ¾” diameter
  • Built to ANSI/AWWA C800-01
  • Inlet: threaded cc type only
  • Outlet: copper service thread for compression or pack joint
  • No flaring or soldering

What kind of service saddles are required?

  • Ductile iron, double strap, with O-ring gasket and cc thread
  • ¾” copper tap size for mains 4″ and larger
  • Manufactured to ANSI/AWWA C800-01
  • Saddles or direct taps allowed if proper tapping equipment is used
  • District may schedule/inspect taps if required

What are the requirements for curb stops?

  • Ball valve type, cast bronze body
  • O-ring seals, tee-head operator
  • Inlet/outlet: copper service thread for compression only
  • Must be within 1 foot inside property line or easement
  • Must remain accessible for District staff

What specifications apply to curb boxes?

  • McDonald 1″ telescoping box with lid
  • Lid: two-hole Erie pattern, arch pattern base
  • Includes ½” operating rod, 6 feet long
  • Installed with cap ½” below grade
  • Swing tie measurements required for all locations

What couplings are accepted?

  • Ford CTS Grip Joint compression fittings (or equivalent)
  • No flaring or soldering
  • Buried joints should be avoided by using adequate lengths
  • Any buried joint requires District approval before backfill

Testing & Inspection

What tests are required for new service lines?

  • Pressure testing to verify strength and leakage limits
  • Leakage test at specified pressures
  • Disinfection/chlorination of new mains and services
  • Flushing to clear debris
  • All work must be inspected and approved by the District

Who performs inspections?
The District Inspector ensures compliance. Any damaged or non-compliant materials may be rejected on site.

Construction & Compliance

What happens if a contractor doesn’t follow specifications?
Work may be rejected, require rework, or be disallowed until it meets standards. The District can enforce corrections before approval.

Are specifications updated periodically?
Yes. The current version is the 2022 Final Draft. Updates may be released periodically, so contractors should always confirm they are working from the latest manual.

Backflow & Cross-Connection 

What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection occurs when treated drinking water comes into contact with an outside environment (such as a sink, tub, dishwasher, toilet, or irrigation system). Cross-connections may be:

  • Low hazard: Degrades water quality (taste, color, smell) without health risk.
  • High hazard: May cause serious illness or even death.

Why are cross-connections dangerous?
Under normal high-pressure conditions, contamination risk is low. However, if a water main breaks or pressure drops, contaminated water from a higher-pressure source may be drawn back into the public water system.

What is a backflow prevention device?
It is a special valve installed at the service connection to prevent water from flowing backward into the District’s system. The type of device required depends on the degree of hazard at each location.

Who determines what backflow device I need?
Parkville Water District determines the required device based on the intended use of the service.

Who installs and tests backflow devices?

  • Installation must be performed by a qualified, certified technician.
  • All devices must undergo initial testing with certified equipment.
  • A District inspection is required before service activation.
  • Devices must be tested at least annually by a certified tester, with results submitted to the District.
  • List of Certified Backflow testers under backflow information

What happens if I don’t maintain my backflow device?
The District may issue violation notices, require retesting, or suspend service until compliance is verified.

Are yard hydrants a cross-connection risk?
Yes. Yard hydrants with underground stop-and-waste drains can create serious cross-contamination.

What does code say about yard hydrants?
Under the 2018 International Residential Code / Plumbing Code (P2903.9.5, IPC 608.1):

  • Potable water outlets or stop-and-waste valves cannot be installed underground or below grade.
  • Freezeproof hydrants that drain into the ground are considered stop-and-waste valves and are not allowed unless properly protected.

What are the options for yard hydrant compliance?

  • Install a backflow prevention device upstream of the hydrant, accessible and freeze-protected, plus hose bibb backflow protection at the nozzle, with signage reading: “Caution, Nonpotable Water. Do Not Drink.”
  • Install a sanitary hydrant meeting ASSE 1057 Yard Hydrant Standard.

Contact Us

Parkville Water District

2015 N. Poplar Street

Leadville, CO 80461


Phone: 719-486-1449

Email: office@parkvillewater.org 
Website: www.parkvillewater.org