Water is a vital topic of discussion for the western United States, affecting all areas of our communities. In recent years, Colorado has foreseen challenges in preserving and distributing its water supply amidst droughts and an increasing population. Therefore, the issue of water conservation and management is top of mind for many residents in the Pikes Peak region.
In August of 2023, El Pomar Foundation hosted an event through its Pikes Peak Heritage Series titled Moving Upstream: Protecting Our Water Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow. The event, in collaboration with Colorado Springs Leadership Institute (CSLI) and Colorado Springs Utilities, featured a panel discussion about the state of water in the Pikes Peak region. Focus was placed on the region’s ability to meet the increasing demand for water while ensuring future availability. Many in the audience appreciated the awareness the event raised and were eager to hear more about solutions for water sustainability in the region and discover ways to become involved in conservation efforts.
This June, Pikes Peak Heritage Series continued the critical conversation by hosting Moving Upstream: Navigating the Future of Water in the Pikes Peak Region, once again in collaboration with CSLI and Colorado Springs Utilities.
Travas Deal, CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities, kicked off the event by providing an update on water infrastructure and conservation in Colorado Springs. Deal explained the difficulties of transporting water to Colorado Springs since the city is not located directly near a water source and shared that Colorado Springs Utilities provides the infrastructure to transport and store this water. Deal mentioned Colorado Springs’ Sustainable Water Plan, a strategy which will be implemented over the next 50 years. He informed the audience they can soon expect investment in the infrastructure needed to make this plan a reality.
The panel was moderated by Karen Palus, Executive Director of CSLI. Palus reiterated from the previous water event that Colorado has some of the most complex water laws in the nation, driven by the principle “first in time, first in right.” Therefore, ongoing conversation around water in the region must be guided by the need to understand regulations at the local, state, and federal levels along with the compact agreements between Colorado and other states.
Panelists consisted of local leaders and experts in water management, including Kim Gortz, Manager of Water Resources at Colorado Springs Utilities; Jessie Shaffer, Manager of Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District No. 1; and Brian Risley, Colorado Springs City Council Member. Gortz discussed regional plans for preserving water, including Colorado Springs long-range Water Resource Plan currently being implemented. Shaffer shared the collaborative efforts between water municipalities in the Pikes Peak region and efforts currently being carried out by Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District No.1. Finally, Risley described the role that Colorado Springs City Council plays in water conservation and sustainability. He explained the impact that infrastructure development has on water use and how water reusage is being prioritized. Collectively, the panel spoke to the importance of community engagement as informed residents have the power to influence decision-makers by voicing their opinions.
Opportunities for community members to engage in the conservation efforts of the region were encouraged, including contacting city council members, attending Colorado Springs Utilities board meetings, and engaging with Colorado Springs Utilities resources for saving water and obtaining rebates. Audience questions focused on topics such as progress on Colorado Springs Utilities projects throughout the Pikes Peak region, how population growth is being navigated in water conservation efforts, and the current state of water reusage in Colorado.
Just as collaboration between water municipalities and government entities is vital to efforts of conservation, community engagement and education is also essential to the discussion on water. Pikes Peak Heritage Series appreciates the role each panelist plays to address water sustainability in the region and hopes the event raised awareness of critical issues regarding our state’s natural resources.
