Last updated: November 16, 2023

Disinfectant Byproduct Management - In order to greatly eliminate the creation of disinfectant byproduct (DBP) in our distribution system, which is caused by the interaction between disinfectant added in the water treatment process and organic material in the raw water, we have installed a Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) system at the water treatment plant to remove most of the problematic organic material from the raw water. This system was installed the first weekend in August, 2023. It has been working very well not only greatly eliminating organic material but also reducing the amount of chlorine needed to disinfect the water. This project is partly funded by at $25,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE).

Treatment Plant Automation Upgrade - Treatment plant automation is necessary for efficient treatment operations and also allows for remote plant management. Our existing plant automation is outdated and unable to be maintained, therefore, we are installing an up-to-date system that will be maintainable as well as expand the automated components. However, we will still have the option to run the plant entirely manually should the automation fail. This project is being funded with the District’s capital improvement reserves.

Distribution Pipe Replacement - A project to replace about 2/3 of our distribution pipes is underway. This work is needed as these pipes have reached the end of their functional life as indicated by our high leak rate. In addition to pipe replacement, we will be getting a GIS map completed of the distribution system, adding shut-off valves, adding fire hydrants, and replacing all user meters. The project is expected to cost about $5.2M. The Pueblo County Commissioners have provided the District with $3.4M in ARPA funds for this project. The District has secured another $1.8M in grants to supplement the ARPA money. The engineering design work for the construction bid package is underway and construction should begin late 2023. The project should be completed in 2024.

Drought Management - Climate predictions indicate that drought conditions are likely to persist into the future which will cause our water supply to be intermittent or stop in summer and early fall. Reducing our leak rate with the pipe replacement project will allow our stored water to last longer. In addition, we will be installing a 500,000 gallon raw water storage. The tank installation will be fully funded by ARPA funds provided to the District by the Pueblo County Commissioners. The goal is to complete the tank installation by the end of 2025.

Headgate Upgrade - Our headgate (which is the infrastructure that is the water inlet for our system) needs repairs and upgrades. We have hired our engineering firm to evaluate the headgate infrastructure and develop improvement options and associated costs. $400,000 in ARPA funds provided by the Pueblo County Commissioners will fund this project.