Water Leaks - Customer Responsibilities

Aldasoro Ranch Homeowners Company (HOC), is responsible for maintaining and replacing water mains throughout the Aldasoro Ranch service area, while property owners are responsible for maintaining and performing repairs to personal property water service lines and related infrastructure which runs underground from the HOC main connection all the way into a home. This page provides helpful tips on how to maintain personal property infrastructure, what to do in case of a water leak, and financial responsibilities.

Water Service Lines

Property Owner Infrastructure Definition

That portion of all existing and future water service lines extending from the connection to the HOC main (including that portion located within the road) which includes the curb box, shut-off valve, meter and other related private water infrastructure are the sole responsibility of the Customer.

Leaks

Signs of a possible water service line leak outside the home building include obvious water surfacing, unusual amount of water running in nearby ditch or low area, a depression or sinkhole. Signs of leaks inside include obvious running water noise and vibration in pipes or walls, or the water meter is running without any water faucets on. A loss in water pressure is a possible indication of a leak as well.

Shutoff Valves - Interior

Homeowners should know how to shut off water in an emergency. First step is to locate the water meter where the water line enters the building. In most cases a shutoff valve is located before and after the meter. The meter location is usually in a crawl space, mechanical room, garage etc. If an internal water service line leak is discovered operate the shut-off valves to stop the water.  In some cases, homes have what is called an automatic valve shut-off, sometimes called FloLogic or Water Cop device that will automatically shut-off the water of constant flow is detected.

Shutoff “Curb Stop Valve” – Exterior

The property exterior curb stop shutoff valve is usually located close to a property line near the street driveway entrance and has a 3” round metal lid that is normally flush with the ground. If your property service line has a leak outside, you will need to use this curb stop valve to shut off the water. Operating the valve requires a metal “key” to turn the valve. The valve itself is around nine feet (9’) deep so you’ll need a plumber of the HOC to shut off the water.

Exterior Leaks – Investigation & Repairs

Once a water leak is discovered either through the homeowner, HOC's water department, or by a visual observation, an on-site investigation will start immediately to determine if the problem is on a HOC water main line or on a private service line. If the investigation finds a leak on a HOC main line, the HOC is responsible for repairing. If the investigation finds a leak on a private service line, the property owner must conduct repairs. If satisfactory progress toward repairing the leak has not been initiated by the property owner after notice, HOC may shut off water service if excessive water loss is occurring or until the leak has been repaired. 

Repairs – Unknown Exterior Leak Source

If HOC is unable to determine during the investigation whether a leak, break, or failure exists within a HOC main or within a personal property service line the HOC will make contact as soon as possible with all nearby property owners to distribute leak notification information. The HOC will determine best repair methods and conduct the emergency repair. If the leak source is found on private infrastructure, HOC will contact the affected homeowner to arrange payment directly with the repair contractor.

Financial Responsibilities

Exterior service line leaks can be very costly, especially in winter. Costs can include but are not limited to: Excavation equipment, labor for all repair personnel, road or driveway repaving, revegetation, etc. Costs to repair a private property service line leak costs on average between $9k - $18k in Telluride.

Tips

Property owners can reduce liability of emergency repair costs by making sure the property has an exterior working “curb stop valve” (see above). Knowing the location of your underground service lines (property site plan) may also save you thousands of dollars in excavation fees. This will be a valuable tool in an emergency situation if the plumber or excavator knows the location of underground service lines. Make sure to turn the curb stop valve on/off periodically to keep it operational. Contact HOC at (970) 728-5191,  or email field@aldasororanch.com, for support in finding and testing your curb valve. Marking the curb stop valve with a snow stake/delineator will help find it in the winter.

Leak Relief Policy

HOC customer occasionally may experience water leaks that cause their water usage to substantially, but temporarily, increase.  The HOC has implemented a policy to address excess water usage caused by leaks.  It is the policy of the HOC that customers may apply for financial leak relief upon request, and presentation of appropriate supporting documentation.

Click the following link to download the policy and request form.