51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Ìý

As I drive up 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Canyon with my daughter to ski at Eldora Mountain, I relish pointing out features of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s water supply system that I’ve had a role in managing for the past 19 years. The hydroelectric plant on the left, the pipeline up on the hillside, the reservoir at the top of the canyon — and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Creek at the heart of it all. Fascinating, right?! She listens to me good-naturedly every time, and I hope one day she comes to appreciate the intricacies that go into providing that clean glass of water she sips every morning.Ìý

The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø community enjoys a high-quality and reliable drinking water supply due to 150 years of visionary planning. However, as the climate shifts, the challenge of providing clean and reliable water becomes increasingly complex.

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s drinking water originates from alpine lakes, reservoirs and the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Creek headwaters west of the city of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, as well as from the upper Colorado River. Each year, approximately two-thirds of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s water supply comes from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Creek and one-third from the Colorado River. Water from these sources flows via pipes to one of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s two water treatment plants before it is sent to customers for drinking water or irrigation use.

While 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s multiple water sources offer flexibility and resilience in the face of climate change and extreme weather events, the city of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is actively to secure its water supply.Ìý

One way is through protecting our sources to ensure safe and high-quality water. As most of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s water supply comes from outside the city, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø partners with many organizations and community members to improve forest health and reduce pollution to creeks and reservoirs.Ìý

Other ways include investing in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s water infrastructure (some components are over a century old), promoting water-saving measures — including using water-saving fixtures, fixing irrigation system leaks and landscaping with low-water-use vegetation — and strategic planning. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Drought Plan, for instance, helps the city respond to water shortages and preserve water for high-priority uses such as human health and safety, maintaining creek flows and trees.Ìý

Water management in the western United States is an intriguing puzzle. While I thrive on the challenge, I’m most gratified by the mission of serving a community that prioritizes sustainable use of this precious resource. Through collaboration, innovation and engagement with passionate community members, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is addressing climate challenges to safeguard its water supply for future generations.

Kim Hutton (Chem, EnvSt’98) is the water resources manager for the City of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.Ìý

ÌýÌýSubmit feedback to the editor