Transfer tunnels are a part of the Pikes’ Peak watershed system.

Where does the water come from?

The supply for the community served by the Penrose Water District originates from the Pike’s Peak Watershed and, is delivered by way of Beaver Creek for treatment at the water plant. Beaver Park Company is the water supplier to the Penrose Water District by way of a long-term lease agreement between the companies.

In 2005 the Penrose Water District acquired water rights on the Arkansas River by way of the purchase of a ranch having associated water rights. In September of 2007, the District acquired an additional property with water rights on the same ditch as the earlier purchase. If successful in the change case, the combination of these rights are designed to meet the minimum needs of the expected build-out of the District’s current boundaries.

Why does the Penrose Water District sometimes implement water restrictions?

The water lease agreement between Penrose Water District and Beaver Park Water states that if the water level at Brush Hollow Reservoir does not reach 75 feet on the staff gauge by March 31st, then both entities must curtail water usage equally.

The reduction by both users is to be in an amount equal to the percentage of loss shown on the staff gauge.

When the District is notified by Beaver Park Water that there is a shortage, then, by contractual agreement, the District must accomplish the required usage reduction.

What is the Penrose Water District doing to ensure an adequate water supply for the future?

In relation to the purchase of water on the Arkansas River, the District is in the funding and design phase of a planned well field and pipeline project to pump water from the Arkansas River to the District’s treatment plants.

Even though water rights have been acquired on the Arkansas River, the District is continually analyzing water options for purchase and studying legal and engineering opinions as to how a particular water source might fit our needs. some considerations are;

If the water use must be changed for municipal purposes, it must go through water court. As much as 50%, or more, of the water can be lost in the conversion process. If the loss is too great, then the cost of the water is not justified.

Where the water is located and the costs associated with transportation to our treatment facility are other considerations.

These, and other factors, can lessen the yield to the District, therefore, the purchase price could be too high for the amount of water we receive.

Since 1996 the District has reviewed multiple water purchase options. The District continues to pursue all leads on water options in our effort to provide a more stable and reliable source for those we serve.

How will the District pay for the water that we purchase?

Beginning in the late 1980s, the District earmarked all revenue from tap sales for capital projects. In 1992 the Board of Directors required all revenues from tap sales be restricted specifically to the use for raw water development - a designation of a capital project that was prioritized above all other capital planning. Accumulated revenue from tap sales have been held in interest-bearing accounts and is part of the funding consideration for the recent purchase and delivery project.

In 1998 the Board requested, and the voters approved, a 3.0 mill levy, for a 20-year period, to help fund the purchase, storage and delivery of raw water. Revenues generated from this mill levy are kept in a separate interest-bearing account and have been, and will be, used for the raw water projects that are currently in process.

Revenues from the above-listed sources are not sufficient for the entire cost of the project that is currently underway. Other funding sources include a $500,000 grant from the Department of Local Affairs - Mineral & Energy Impact Fund and a low-interest loan from the Colorado Water Conservancy Board. The loan is just over $8.5 million and increases on the base rate, implemented in December of 2006, will meet the debt service for the loan.

What can individuals and the community do to help plan for the future?

Outside watering is a considerable demand during the growing season. Carefully consider type, and amount, of highly water-dependent plants used in your landscaping efforts.

Practice water-wise management of your in-house usage.