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1. Why is this project important?

Currently, PWSD only has one water tank located in Zone 3. By adding a second tank we’re able to add critical storage and system redundancy, while also increasing positive pressure and increased fire flow in the system.

2. What is the timeline for the project?

Construction on the water tank will begin on August 15, 2022, and construction on the pipeline is scheduled to begin later in the process. The two projects will then run concurrently with full completion scheduled for December 2023.

3. What is the budget for the project?

The budget for this project is $14.5 million. While all projects completed by PWSD have an impact on rates, the costs for this project were part of the District’s long-term capital plan and therefore included in our long-term rate plans along with many other necessary projects and costs.

4. How will this project impact the community?

The project will be fenced off and will be occurring on PWSD’s property or acquired easements.

Residents in the area can expect to hear construction noise and traffic in the area on weekdays from 7:30am – 5:00pm. There is also potential for weekend work if it’s deemed necessary. Any variances will be approved by Douglas County.

Because the tank will be buried underground, the project will involve digging and hauling dirt from the site. Traffic will include heavy machinery, cement trucks, tractor trailers, construction staff vehicles, etc.

5. Will it impact any businesses by preventing access or reducing traffic?

This project is located in a residential neighborhood and should not have an impact on local businesses.

6. Who are the partners on this project?

We are partnering with Garney Construction, SM&RC Structural Engineers Inc., and Providence Infrastructure Consultants on this project.

7. Are you using any new and interesting technologies?

We are relying on traditional, tried and true methods to build this tank and pipeline, just as we have for the other ones in the District. In fact, this will be the 7th water tank located within the District.

8. Who should the public contact about the project?

Inquiries about the project may be directed to the PWSD Engineering Department.

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1. Claim: PWSD staff were running the recent election and counted ballots themselves.

Fact: The recent PWSD election for three (3) open board member seats was held in a drop-off and mail-in ballot format. PWSD hired an outside consultant to run the election on our behalf. The consultant was responsible for managing the ballot collection, ballot counting, and certifying the election. Ballot boxes at the two drop-off locations were locked and inaccessible to PWSD employees. 

Additional information about the election and how it was run is available on our website. 

2. Claim: PWSD intentionally left 96 voters off the election rolls and disenfranchised them by not giving them adequate time to vote in the recent election.

Fact: During our most recent board election, PWSD staff learned, for the first time, that in 2004 the Douglas County Assessor had not added 62 addresses to the district’s boundaries due to confusion over the legal description of these properties (which was provided to PWSD by the owner of these properties in 2004). As a consequence of that oversight, there were 96 voters living at those addresses who were not included in the list of voters PWSD received from the Douglas County Clerk’s office, and therefore did not receive ballots in the mail. This was an unintentional mistake that we are in the process of remedying with the county.

As soon as PWSD staff were made aware of the issue and received the list of impacted voters on the morning of the election, staff contacted the affected voters directly via email and automated phone messages to alert them about their opportunity to vote in the election. Of the impacted voters, six (6) individuals did vote in the election. Therefore, the turnout rate for these 96 properties was 6.3%. For context, PWSD sent out 37,683 ballots and had 3,091 returned ballots for an overall turnout rate of 8.2%.

Despite this unintentional error, the election was conducted fairly. PWSD had no authority to continue the election beyond the close of voting on May 2 at 7:00 p.m. PWSD did everything it reasonably could do to alert the impacted voters and provide them an opportunity to vote, given the circumstances.

3. Claim: PWSD has been collecting property taxes from the affected voters in Lincoln Creek without allowing them to vote.

Fact: Because the affected residents were never included in PWSD by the Douglas County Assessor’s office, they had not paid any property taxes to PWSD before the issue was discovered. We are working with the county to review and update all PWSD boundaries and inclusion records to make sure that all property tax and voter information is accurate in the future.

4. Claim: PWSD has not held an election in 10 years and just appoints its allies to the board.

Fact: This is false. PWSD has held open elections six (6) times since 2014. In 2014 PWSD ran a full election in which five (5) candidates ran for three (3) open seats. However, in the subsequent years when elections were called, there were never more candidates than there were open seats. Therefore, as allowed by the Colorado local government election code section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S, PWSD posted a notice of cancellation and automatic election of the candidates. Holding those complete elections without any reason would have cost approximately $100K for each election – costs that we did not have to then pass on to our ratepayers.

In one instance, in 2014, a board member resigned their seat in the middle of their term. As required by law, an individual was appointed to fill that position until the next election was held. The individual then ran for the seat in the next election cycle and completed the remainder of the term as an elected official rather than appointee.

5. Claim: PWSD is considering a major rate increase immediately following the elections.

Fact: The PWSD board has not given any direction to pursue an imminent rate increase. While all water providers require rate increases to keep up with the increased costs of providing water and wastewater services that come from inflation, regulatory requirements, and other pressures, the PWSD board generally only looks at rate adjustments during the annual budgeting process in the fall. The board works with staff to limit rate increases to levels needed to provide continued service and seeks to moderate increases to track as closely to inflation as is reasonably possible.

Additionally, any rate adjustments proposed by PWSD must be posted and open for public comment 30 days prior to any public hearing at which the board will consider the adjustment. Additionally, under Parker Water’s policies, two public hearings are required before adoption by the board, which means any rate or fee changes, if approved by the board, would not be effective until nearly 60 days after the notice. Additional information about how PWSD sets its rates and fees is available on our homepage.

6. Claim: PWSD is not forward thinking and does not have a long-term water plan.

Fact: This is false. PWSD has a robust long-term water supply plan that we have developed for more than a decade. The centerpiece of the plan is the Platte Valley Water Partnership (PVWP), which will help diversify our water portfolio, so that we are less reliant on Denver Basin groundwater and instead rely on renewable water sources for 75% of our water needs once all property in Parker Water is fully developed. That project has been lauded by the State of Colorado, water leaders, elected officials, and environmental groups as a sensible approach to delivering more water to Parker.

Unlike many water projects that propose to buy and dry farmland in rural Colorado, the PVWP is built on a unique partnership between PWSD and the Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District in the northeastern corner of the state. The partnership’s approach will provide both farmers and Front Range residents much-needed water by using new and existing infrastructure to capture and store South Platte River water, mostly in the spring and during storm events. This is water that currently leaves Colorado in quantities that exceed the state’s compact agreements with Nebraska and other downstream states.

As part of the project, PWSD is currently in the process of securing the necessary water rights, attracting more partners for the project to help defray costs, and acquiring the land and easements needed for the project infrastructure. We anticipate the project will begin to provide water to our customers in the late 2030s.

7. Claim: PWSD is building a luxurious new administrative building at a cost of $53 million to house just 85 employees.

Fact: PWSD is in the process of building a new facility for our operations, maintenance, and administrative functions, and the cost for the construction of that facility is going to be approximately $53 million. That is true. However, rather than a luxury, this new building is a necessity for the following reasons:

• Since our current administrative building was built in 2003, PWSD has increased our service area from one municipality to three, our customer population has doubled, and our staffing numbers have consequently doubled as well.
• Currently PWSD staff, records, and equipment are squeezed into inadequate spaces in numerous facilities across the district, including our current  administrative building and a temporary trailer that does not have indoor plumbing (including in its restroom facilities).
• The current administrative building is located in the far northeast corner of the district boundary, meaning staff spend significant amounts of time and fuel driving across the district every day while completing their duties. The new building is centrally located next to Rueter-Hess Reservoir and PWSD’s existing water treatment plant, which will lead to significant efficiencies while saving time and money.
• The building will not only house our current staff of 105 employees but is also being built to house our future staff of approximately 180 employees when the district reaches full build-out. It is planned to be our forever home.
• In addition to housing staff, the new building will also house a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, electrical and mechanical workshops, a meter repair workshop, fleet parking, and needed warehouse storage space.

The total cost for the building comes in around $400 per square foot (psf) and is well below the national average of $591 psf for government administration buildings. Not planning for the district's growth would only cost our ratepayers more in the future.

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1. How do I find my water shut-off valve?

Your master water shut-off valve should be located where the water line enters your house. When shut off, it turns off the water to the entire house. The valve will be located indoors, along the perimeter of the house, on the side facing the street. 

If you’re unable to find it on your own, you can also check your property inspection report, which was completed when you purchased the home. 

Finally, if it’s an emergency and you are unable to locate the valve, please contact us and we can help shut-off the water from the curb-stop that attaches your service line to the main line in the street. 

2. How do I locate my water meter?

Some meters are located inside the home and some are located near the street. If you’re doing work and need to locate your meter, please contact 811 and make a request.

3. How do I manage my water pressure?

Normal residential water pressure is between 50 and 75 pounds per square inch (psi). Anything above 80 psi can cause leaks in clothes washers, faucets, toilets, bathtubs and exterior hose bibs. We recommend approximately 60 psi 

You can test your water’s psi with a simple gauge you can buy at most hardware stores. If the pressure is too high, contact a licensed plumber to determine if a pressure regulator may help.

4. How do I prepare my pipes for the winter?

There are a few steps we recommend that you take each winter to protect your pipes from the cold:

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and faucets
• Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas. You can use pipe-wrapping materials or heat tape, which can be found at any hardware or building supply store.
• Seal off access doors, air vents, and cracks. Be sure you don’t plug air vents used by your furnace or water heater.
• Make sure you know where the master shut-off valve is located.

In extreme weather you may also want to run a small trickle of water from faucet. 

If your pipes do freeze, you can attempt to thaw them yourself using a hair dryer or portable space heater and running it along the pipe. Do NOT attempt to thaw them using an open flame. 

5. How do I protect my pipes from clogs?

Everything that is flushed, run through the garbage disposal or dumped enters the wastewater system. By doing a few simple things to protect your pipes, you can protect yourself, your family and the overall system from big problems down the road. 

To avoid back-ups into your home, we recommend: 

• Remember the 3Ps: the ONLY things that you should ever flush are pee, poop and (toilet) paper. There is no such thing as a disposable wipe (no matter what the package says). Feminine products, prescription drugs, toys, pesticides, paint/solvents, motor oil and any other objects should be disposed of in other ways. 
• Scheduling an annual tree root inspection/maintenance will help keep your pipes clear of debris and leaks.
• Do not pour kitchen grease down sink. Wipe pots and pans down with a towel, or pour the grease into another container and dispose of it, before washing.  
• Keep garbage disposal free of items that can clog your system.

6. How should I prepare for a visit from PSWD?

Our employees will never ask to enter your home unless we've already scheduled a service appointment with you in advance. Any field service employee will be wearing a PWSD lanyard, apparel with our logo on it and driving an official PWSD vehicle. 

We will require someone over the age of 18 to be present. 

If you have concerns you can also call us at 303-841-4627.

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1. Why did you choose this location?

After reviewing multiple PWSD-owned sites, the Rueter-Hess location was selected due to its centralized location within the district and, specifically, its proximity to the Rueter-Hess Reservoir and Water Purification Facility. Additionally, the location is also large enough to allow all departments and staff to come together in one space, meets PWSD’s projected 20-year growth needs, and allows for future expansion if needed.

2. What will the building look like?

As part of the project, the two-story, 102,000 sf building will co-locate a total of 180 administrative, operations, and maintenance professionals across two curved (segmented) levels. The new sustainable space will be built to house maintenance bays, an open-plan workplace, and a high-performance water quality laboratory.

The design was inspired by a drop of water’s concentric rings of outward momentum and the ceremonial circles used by Native American tribes who once lived in the area. The shape also fits the site's topography better, allowing for reduced excavation costs.

3. What is the timeline for the project?

The project is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. We broke ground on the project in Spring 2022 and anticipate the building will be completed in Fall 2023.

4. What is the budget for this? Will it affect my rates?

The construction budget for this project is $53 million. While all projects completed by PWSD have an impact on rates, the costs for this project were part of the District’s long-term capital plan and therefore included in our long-term rate plans along with many other necessary projects and costs.

5. How will it impact the surrounding community?

The most direct impacts will be felt by neighbors in the Heirloom neighborhood. We will share information as it becomes available, but generally speaking, we anticipate increased traffic through the neighborhood, particularly on weekdays, and there will be construction noise and vehicles present throughout the day.

PWSD is implementing the following to help mitigate community impacts:

• PWSD vehicles and contractors are instructed to use the Hess Road entrance to the site rather than neighborhood streets whenever possible. &
• Construction will not begin before 7 am except in certain instances, in which case we will request a variance from Douglas County.  
• In an effort to limit nighttime impacts, we will be taking a “dark skies” approach to the building. This means avoiding the use of uplighting and limiting downlighting to minimum required levels.  
• The new building will have indoor parking for a number of our fleet vehicles, which means neighbors will not have to view the majority of vehicles after hours. This also means we can reduce the need to provide security lighting in the parking lot.  
• The building has been designed to seamlessly integrate into the natural grading of the hillside, rather than on top of it, in an effort to minimize disruption to neighborhood views and sightlines. 

6. How will the community benefit from the building?

PWSD is planning to make a portion of the building available to the community for reservations on evenings and weekends; the details of that opportunity are still being worked out. Additionally, a demonstration garden and examples of new irrigation technology will be available; tours of the garden and other educational opportunities will be offered.

7. How will the site respect the history of the Parker area?

The Rueter-Hess Reservoir and RHWPF sites have a rich history of Native American culture. Inspired by prayer circles that have been discovered at the reservoir, the building entrance faces east. The lobby will feature an educational component and be designed to honor the past, the present, and the future.

8. Will it impact any businesses?

We don't anticipate any impacts to local businesses; the site of the building is located on existing PWSD property and is removed from any commercial spaces.

9. Who are the partners on this project?

We have contracted with Perkins & Will for the building design and JHL for construction services.

10. Will the building incorporate any new and interesting technologies?

PWSD is committed to building a new headquarters that is as sustainable as possible. We are looking into making sustainable choices in building performance, windows/energy/solar power, water, ecology, and indoor air quality and materials. Based on our current plans, the technologies and innovations we are installing would be equivalent to a Gold LEED certification level.

11. Who should the public contact about the project?

Inquiries about the project may be directed to the PWSD Engineering Department.

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1. Why are we hearing about PFAS now if they have been around for decades?

PFAS compounds are difficult to detect. Technological advances now allow us to detect concentrations in the parts-per-trillion (ppt) range. The scientific understanding and regulatory response to these compounds are uncertain and rapidly evolving.

2. Why are PFAS a concern?

While scientific studies into the impacts of PFAS in drinking water are currently limited to a handful of chemicals, the EPA and other organizations are conducting more research.

The most studied PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), have been identified by the EPA as contaminants of concern. Specifically, the EPA currently identifies PFOA as “likely to be a carcinogen,” which is a step below a “carcinogenic” classification. PFOS is currently identified to have “suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential,” a step below PFOA.

The EPA recently published interim lifetime Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS. The updated advisory levels, which are based on new science and consider lifetime exposure, indicate that some negative health effects may occur with concentrations of PFOA or PFOS in water at 0.004 parts per trillion (ppt) and 0.02 ppt, respectively. (For reference, the level at which the PFOA Health Advisory is an amount roughly equivalent to traveling 0.6 millimeters on a trip to the sun.) These interim health advisories will remain in place until EPA establishes a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation.

In March 2023, the EPA also published a proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six (6) PFAS. The proposal establishes the following maximum contaminant levels goals (MCLGs):

• A MCLC for PFOA and PFOS of 0.0 ppt is proposed, and the MCL is proposed to be 4 ppt.
• A MCLG and MCL have been proposed for PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and HFPO-DA using a hazard index of 1.0. A hazard index is a tool used to evaluate combined risk from exposure to a mixture of contaminants.

3. What are the health risks of ingesting PFAS?

Scientists are studying the health effects of elevated PFAS blood levels and preliminary research indicates that health effects may include types of cancer, high cholesterol, and decreased vaccine response in children. Because of their prevalence in our homes, as well as environmental exposure via the air, water, and dust, virtually every person in America has a detectable level of PFAS in their blood.

Currently, there is no immediate public health risk, and people do not need to stop drinking their water. The state health department will keep providing facts to help inform the public about the latest science.

4. Is there PFAS in Parker's water or wastewater?

PWSD’s source waters are a mix of groundwater and surface water that does not come into contact with known PFAS activities.

Consumer products, such as non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, and fast food containers are the largest source of human exposure to this group of chemicals. Additionally, in communities where some industrial and manufacturing activities occur, these chemicals can contaminate water sources.

While PWSD does not produce, manufacture or use PFAS in the treatment of water or wastewater, they do come through our wastewater systems and treatment plants as a byproduct of products that are used in homes and businesses.

5. What is PWSD doing?

With regard to our drinking water supply, PWSD and other water utilities across the country are scheduled to begin monitoring for 29 different PFAS between 2023 and 2025 under the EPA’s fifth Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR).

Under the UCMR, every five years the EPA is required to issue a list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored by water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This monitoring provides EPA and other parties with scientifically valid data on the national occurrence of these contaminants in drinking water. As part of the testing, PWSD will report any findings on our annual Consumer Confidence Report. We will rely on the EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for further guidance on any regulatory updates and necessary actions as science progresses.

With regard to our wastewater operations, future discharge permit requirements could impact PWSD’s pretreatment program, treatment processes, and biosolids program.

6. How can I reduce my exposure to PFAS?

If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, it’s recommended that you consider avoiding the following consumer products:

• waterproof clothing (look for water-resistant instead)
• stain-resistant furniture and carpets 
• grease-resistant restaurant containers and wrappers
• non-stick cookware

PFAS Central also maintains a list of PFAS-Free brands and products.

Some home treatment devices (water filters) that meet NSF/ANSI Standards 53 and 58 are certified to remove PFAS. For more information, you can visit NSF International or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. If you choose to use a home treatment device, please remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

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1. Why are we doing this?

The partners see this as a unique opportunity to optimize existing and future water resources, using newly constructed shared infrastructure, to set a precedent for a mutually-beneficial relationship between agricultural and Front Range water communities in Colorado.

PWSD’s current water resources are sufficient to meet existing demands, but with a population that’s projected to double by build-out, and with the Denver Basin groundwater supplies diminishing over time, PWSD’s ultimate goal is to diversify its water resources portfolio to be comprised of at least 75% renewable water.

With the construction of a shared project infrastructure, LSPWCD will be able to capture, store, and use its water resources more effectively for irrigation purposes. These improvements will help to optimize operations necessary to meet their members’ needs.

2. What's involved?

In order to accomplish its goals, the PVWP intends to build new infrastructure and make use of existing infrastructure owned by project partners. 

Key new infrastructure will include:

• A Small Storage Reservoir near Illiff (up to 6,500 acre-feet)
• A PVWP Forebay Reservoir
• A 125-Mile Pipeline and infrastructure for transport to Rueter-Hess Reservoir and delivery within LSPWCD
• A Large Storage Reservoir near Akron (up to 72,000 acre-feet)

3. Who benefits from this project?

Our goal is to protect and work with the communities and individual business and land owners who will be affected by this project. 

The project will benefit various groups in multiple ways:

AGRICULTURAL BENEFITS

The PVWP protects agriculture by not allowing new ‘buy and dry’ water through its infrastructure and will provide much-needed water to northeast Colorado agriculture. The project will benefit water users in the LSPWCD.

During typical conditions, the intent is for PWSD's tenant farmers to make use of existing senior water rights for irrigation purposes and continue the farming operations.

MUNICIPAL BENEFITS

While current water resources are sufficient for existing PWSD customers’ needs, the population it serves is projected to double by 2040, and groundwater supplies are diminishing over time. PWSD’s goal is to build a water resource portfolio that is at least 75% renewable. The PVWP would allow PWSD access to more than 20,000 acre-feet of reliable, renewable water annually.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Regionally, there will be short-term, economic benefits from construction activity and long-term benefits through the development of a new water supply that addresses local shortages and increased recreational opportunities at the two new reservoirs.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

The project provides new off-channel storage and will enhance wildlife habitat through the creation of new reservoirs.

4. How much is this going to cost?

We estimate a cost of approximately $880 million for the entire Platte Valley Water Partnership project.

$560 million has been built into PWSD’s long-term planning and rate structure and would be adequate to complete the first phase. We are currently in discussions with additional entities who may be interested in participating in some portion, or all, of the project.

5. What's happening now?

Currently we are in the middle of the following activities related to the PVWP:

• The purchase of our first piece of PVWP-related property was finalized in early November 2023. The property, which is located in Morgan County, will be used as a forebay (small reservoir) needed for the project.
• Continuing discussions with multiple third-party project partners. We expect to finalize some of these by the end of 2023.
• We have contracted with an engineering firm to complete geotechnical services to investigate key geological conditions that may impact the site of a future reservoir, and to then develop a concept for constructing a safe and reliable dam on the site.
• Continuing to work with the Water Court on our 2019 water rights application. An August 2025 court date has been set for the court to adjudicate the junior water rights.

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1. Is my water safe to drink?

Parker Water and Sanitation District meets all regulatory mandates for clean water. 

Testing is done using sophisticated equipment and advanced procedures. 

Water quality is regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

2. How often does PWSD test water for contaminants?

The Safe Drinking Water Act mandates an annual test and Consumer Confidence Report, to explain important aspects of our water such as where it comes from and the level of contaminants as compared to allowable measurements. 

Beyond that, PWSD tests weekly for bacteria in order to ensure safety and quality.

Click here to read the report...

3. What causes discolored water?

Discolored (red) water is caused by naturally occurring minerals in well water. The discolored water poses no health risk to people or animals. Households may experience discolored water during times of hydrant flushing and District water line maintenance. To learn more about discolored (red) water, visit our Discolored Water.

If you experience discolored (red) water,  avoid washing laundry because the minerals in the discolored water may stain clothing. If staining does occur, please avoid drying the clothing. Call 303-841-4627 between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:00 pm and Parker Water and Sanitation District will provide you with Iron Out, an iron stain removal powder. 

After the flushing or maintenance is completed in your area, run cold water to clear any discolored water in your service lines. Put this water to good use by watering plants or grass through a garden hose. 

To learn more about your water and water quality, view our most recent Consumer Confidence Report.

4. What are those green boxes?

The green boxes, or sample stations, provide designated sampling sites to retrieve potable water samples at any time (24/7) versus sampling directly from homes or businesses. 

Currently, the PWSD laboratory staff sample sixty sites for one level of testing for Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) drinking water compliance. 

All of these sites are from customer hose bibs. As the population increases, more sample sites are necessary to meet the regulation. Sample sites are chosen to be representative of the entire distribution system.

5. What is wastewater?

Wastewater is used water; it includes substances such as human waste, food scraps, oils, soaps and chemicals.

In homes, this means water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers. Businesses and industries also contribute their share of used water that must be cleaned.

6. Why treat wastewater?

It's a matter of caring for our environment and for our own health. If it is not properly cleaned, water can carry disease. Since we live, work and play so close to water, harmful bacteria have to be removed to make water safe.

Nature has an amazing ability to cope with small amounts of water wastes and pollution, but it would be overwhelmed if we didn't treat the billions of gallons of wastewater and sewage produced every day before releasing it back to the environment. Treatment plants reduce pollutants in wastewater to a level nature can handle. If the term "wastewater treatment" is confusing to you, you might think of it as "sewage treatment."

7. How can I help protect our water quality?

Everything that is flushed, run through the garbage disposal or dumped enters the wastewater system. Some pollutants seriously disrupt the water treatment process itself, as well as cause serious damage to homes, business and the environment.

Please do NOT flush these items:

• Baby Wipes
• Brake Fluid
• Condoms
• Dental Floss
• Disposable Diapers
• Feminine Napkins
• Gasoline
• Household Hazardous Wastes
• Motor Oil
• Non-Biodegradable Items
• Paint or Solvents
• Pesticides (Insecticides, Herbicides, Fungicides)
• Pharmaceuticals/Medications 
• Rags
• Sanitary Products
• Swiffer Sweeper Pads
• Tampons
• Toys
• Wipes of any kind (There is no such thing as a “flushable wipe, no matter what the package says.)

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1. What is PWSD currently doing about discolored water?

While the well house filtration systems are being implemented, PWSD also has multiple programs in place to help mitigate discolored water issues that our customers experience.

Our current efforts include the use of sequestration chemicals to help isolate the minerals that cause discoloration in the water, seasonal flushing activities, and continuing to implement proactive communication measures to help alert our customers when issues arise.

2. What does the Well House Filtration Project involve?

Once complete, all nine of PWSD’s well houses will have filtration installed in them.

PWSD’s Canyons and Ridgegate Well Houses were the first well facilities to have filtration installed. Both facilities have been outfitted with gravity filtration units with silica sand and anthracite media. The filters were fully integrated in October 2021 and each treats roughly 1 million gallons of water per day (MGD).

Our Rueter-Hess Well House is nearing completion and will have the capacity to treat and filter up to 8.5 million gallons of water per day. Our Reata Well House is scheduled to be next.

The remaining groundwater treatment facilities throughout the District will be prioritized for receiving filtration based on iron and manganese content and their supply to the distribution system.

3. What's the timeline for this project?

The filtration project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

4. What's the budget for this? Will it affect my rates?

While all projects completed by PWSD have an impact on rates, the costs for this project were part of the District’s long-term capital plan and therefore included in our long-term rate plans along with many other necessary projects and costs.

5. Will any homes or businesses be impacted by this project?

Depending on the location of various well houses, some construction traffic may occur. All of the construction will be occurring on PWSD’s property.

6. Who are your partners in this?

PWSD has hired Garney and Tetra Tech as our Design Build team for this program. This team has a long-standing relationship with PWSD that has proven to be successful and integral in the continued improvements to our well house upgrades.

7. Who should the public contact about the project?

Inquiries about the project may be directed to the PWSD Engineering Department.