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 Water glossary of terms

 
When it comes to water, there seems to be a language of its own. Learn some of the frequently-used terms used in the water business.
 

 Free showerhead exchange

 
Exchange your old, inefficient showerhead for a new WaterSense one. While supplies last. Learn more.
 

 Water for our Future

 
Invite us to lunch - we'll bring the entertainment.  We hope you'll take advantage of this open invitation.
How does Colorado Springs Utilities deliver water to your home?


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Our customers are fortunate to have one of the finest sources of water in the nation…the Rocky Mountains. Nearly 75 percent of our water comes directly from snowmelt near the Continental Divide, making our customers primarily first-time users of the water.
Being first-time users means that the water has not been previously treated, consumed and recycled for use; therefore, it is free of many chemicals and pollutants.
Water service statistics
  • Number of customers: 135,019 active water meters
  • Total water delivered for sales in 2011: 27.8 billion gallons
  • Peak demand on a single day: 182 million gallons (July 2001)
  • Miles of distribution pipe main: 2,019
  • Number of storage reservoirs: 25
  • Number of treatment facilities: 5
Figures based on the 2012A Official Statement.

Water Equivalents Table
1 cubic foot 7.48 gallons
1 acre foot  43,560 feet or 325,851 gallons
1 cubic foot per second 449 gallons per minute
1 cfs 646,317 gallons per day
1 million gallons 3.07 acre feet
1 million gallons per day (MGD) 1,121 acre feet per year
1,000 gallons per minute 2.23 cfs
1 MGD 1.547 cfs
1 MGD 694 gallons per minute
An acre foot of water covers 1 acre of land 1 foot deep
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