Water system repairs do not always happen on a predictable schedule. Sometimes, a contractor accidentally hits a line. Sometimes, water appears where it shouldn’t. Other times, an aging pipe, valve or fitting reaches the end of its useful life and needs to be repaired or replaced right away.
Whatever the cause, Fort Collins-Loveland Water District (FCLWD) is ready to respond. In this second annual edition of “It Broke and We Fixed It,” we’re reminding customers what to do if they suspect a leak, reintroducing the operations team, sharing why these repairs are so important and then getting into our most exciting repairs from 2026 to date.
TL;DR Summary
- When a water main or service line breaks, often the process starts with a customer calling to report at leak. If it is determined that the water is coming from FCLWD, our operations team works quickly to make the repair.
- Operations Superintendent, Chris Dash, and the operations team are the crew behind the repairs that ensure we provide reliable water service to customers day in and day out.
- Emergency repairs are a vital part of our service. We also proactively repair and replace aging infrastructure before problems arise, which is one of the reasons we have several capital projects underway.
- From an old repair clamp giving way to corrosive soil, our operations team has assisted with many repairs this year, ensuring we can continue to deliver water reliably.
How FCLWD Responds When Something Breaks
Most repairs begin with a report from a customer or community member that something looks unusual. A customer may notice water on the ground, an overactive sump pump, low pressure or a suspected leak. The first step is determining whether the water is part of the District’s system or coming from another source, such as groundwater. District water contains chlorine, so field testing can help crews identify whether the water is treated drinking water from FCLWD or water from another source.
If the issue is tied to the District’s system, staff review system maps, historical information and field conditions to locate the problem and determine the best repair approach. Depending on the location, crews may need to coordinate with city, county or CDOT officials for roadway permits. Traffic control may be needed to keep crews, drivers and pedestrians safe. Materials and equipment are sourced, and internal teams are notified so customer service staff can answer questions.
When water service may be affected, FCLWD makes customer notification a priority. The District may go door-to-door, leave doorhangers or provide other updates so customers know what to expect and who to contact with questions. Then, the repair work begins.
Meet the Team Behind the Repairs
As we shared in the first edition of “It Broke and We Fixed It,” FCLWD’s operations team is led by Operations Superintendent Chris Dash, who brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the District. His team oversees much of the work customers rarely see but rely on every day, including emergency repairs, valve maintenance, hydrant flushing, pressure management, water quality support and routine maintenance across the distribution system.
The District has worked to build strong in-house operations crews because it improves response time and helps manage costs. Many repairs and maintenance projects can be completed by FCLWD staff rather than relying on outside contractors. When third-party support is needed, it is often because specialized equipment, excavation or additional resources are required.
This approach helps the District respond quickly while keeping safety, service reliability and fiscal responsibility at the center of each repair.
Why These Repairs Matter
Every water system has parts that age over time. Pipes, valves, fittings and other underground infrastructure are exposed to pressure, soil conditions, weather, construction activity and decades of use. Even well-maintained systems need ongoing repair and replacement.
Some urgent repairs are caused by accidents, while others happen because infrastructure corrodes, shifts or reaches the point where replacement is needed. That is why the District prioritizes proactive planning.
Capital projects help the District address infrastructure needs before they become larger problems. While emergency repairs will always be part of operating a water system, investing in maintenance and replacement helps improve reliability, reduce risk and support the long-term health of the system.
The following examples from 2026 show the range of issues the operations team responds to, from unexpected accidents to aging infrastructure that needed attention.
Top 3 “It Broke and We Fixed It” Incidents from 2026
6-Inch Pipe Repair in an Irrigation Ditch
In the southeast area of the District, crews responded to a leak on a 6-inch pipe located underground, in an irrigation ditch in front of a home.
The issue started at an existing repair clamp. The pipe was bulging on both sides of the clamp before it eventually began leaking, requiring the team to make a live repair. In this case, crews could not fully isolate the section of pipe, which meant they needed to keep positive pressure on the line while completing the repair.
This type of work requires careful coordination. Crews always follow state standards when determining whether water can be turned off and how a repair should be completed. In this case, surrounding homes lost pressure for a short period of time, but service was not fully shut off because the line needed to remain pressurized. A repair like this can often be completed in four hours or less, although each situation depends on field conditions, location, access and system requirements.
This area is slated for a future system upgrade that was recently approved by the Board.
Contractor Strike on an Older Water Main
Earlier this year, a utility contractor bored through an older 3-inch water main in the Timnath area. FCLWD responded and helped the contractor complete the repair.
To back up, before construction begins, FCLWD provides utility locates to help identify where District infrastructure is located. The District’s locator team is highly skilled and they do an excellent job. A reality is that as more utilities, roads and development projects are added across northern Colorado, underground work continues to become more complex. In this case, the contractor was potholing with directional drilling equipment when the main was hit. While these incidents are not common, they can happen.
This is one example of why utility corridors are so complex. Many different services, including water, wastewater, electric, gas, fiber internet and telecommunications, often share limited space underground. As the region grows, coordinating around that infrastructure becomes increasingly important.
Service Line Leaks Caused by Corrosion and Soil Conditions
While these repairs are less flashy, FCLWD has also responded to a number of service line leaks this year, which can be common in certain conditions. Service lines are the smaller pipes that connect the main to an individual property. The District is responsible for repairs between the water main and the meter pit or curb stop. Leaks in this section can happen for several reasons, including corrosion, electrolysis and soil conditions. Even a small rock or pebble in the ground can create stress on a pipe over time. As the ground shifts and pressure changes, that contact point can wear into the pipe.
This is another example of why ongoing maintenance is essential. The system is not static. It is constantly exposed to pressure, soil movement and age, which means repair and replacement work will always be part of responsible water utility management.
Keeping Things Running Reliably
Most customers do not see the planning, coordination and fieldwork that happen behind the scenes when something breaks. But this work is a critical part of providing sustainable, high-quality, secure, reliable and cost-effective water service.
Whether a repair is caused by an accident, aging infrastructure or normal wear over time, FCLWD’s goal remains the same: respond quickly, protect customers, use resources responsibly and keep water moving safely through the system. That work happens every day, often quietly and out of sight. And when something breaks, the District is ready to fix it.
The bottom line
Water system repairs are an unavoidable part of operating and maintaining a reliable water system. Responding to unexpected breaks and replacing aging infrastructure before problems occur are both critical to keeping water moving safely and reliably for customers.
