Animas-La Plata Project Water Supply Demand Study

Section 3 Animas - La Plata Water Supply and Demand Study
3.4.1.3 City of Durango, Colorado
The City of Durango (Durango) is located within three miles of Lake Nighthorse. Jack Rogers, Public Works
Director for the Durango, indicated that Durango has conducted its future water demand studies and
anticipates that its water rights totaling 8,700 AF will sufficiently meet their predicted build -out demand of
40,000 people. Their water sources include 3,800 AF of A -LP Project water acquired through the Colorado
Water and Power Authority, 900 AF of Animas River mainstem and 4,000 AF from the Florida River.
Though Durango is not looking for future supplies, Durango would not like to see the State's allocation of
the A -LP Project to the tribes. Durango would like to see the State use this water for Colorado River compact
compliance purposes.
3.4.1.4 Lake Durango Water Authority
The Lake Durango Water Authority (LDWA) is a recently formed water district located near Lake Durango.
LDWA was formed by La Plata County, Durango West Metropolitan District #1 and Durango West
Metropolitan District #2. Lake Durango Water Company had a total of 1,435 taps and problems with
sufficient water quality and quantity. SWSI demand studies predicted a 2030 supply shortage of 300 AF for
Lake Durango Water Company, and a combined shortage of 80 AF for both the Durango West Metropolitan
Districts #1 and #2.
Charles Smith, LDWA's General Manager, indicated that there has been a moratorium on the releasing new
taps because of supply problems. He also discussed that a preliminary cost estimate for future water supplies
has been conducted and is estimated to be $3,000 per AF. LDWA is looking at different alternatives for
acquiring new water sources, but did not indicate whether leasing from the Tribes was an option. Currently
LPWWA is planning for the LDWA to become a raw water customer.
Obstacles to utilizing water from the A -LP Project include:
• Funding for the purchase of A -LP Project water.
• Equipping of the lake intake at Lake Nighthorse must be completed.
• Locating, financing and constructing improvements to their water treatment plant.
• Distribution system will need to be completed to convey water to the service area.
3.4.1.5 Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District and San Juan Water
Conservancy District
The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District ( PAWSD) and the San Juan Water Conservancy District
(SJWCD) are located approximately 60 miles away from Lake Nighthorse in Archuleta County. Current plans
for this area are to utilize water from the Dry Gulch Project to meet future demands. The Dry Gulch project
is currently in lititgation, but is expected to be completed. CWCB has provided funds to the SJWCD to
complete the land acquisition required for the project.
Brown and Caldwell spoke with Came Weiss, who is a board member of the SJWCD and District Manager of
PAWSD. She indicated that both organizations were unaware that the State had this allocation of A -LP
Project water. Although the distance of the PAWSD and SJWCD service areas from Lake Nighthorse may
make utilization of A -LP Project water cost prohibitive, additional information provided to these Districts
would help them determine whether this water could be a new source for them.
3.4.1.6 Town of Bayfield, Colorado
The Town of Bayfield ( Bayfield) is located approximately 20 miles from Lake Nighthorse. Bayfield water
supply comes from the Vallecito Reservoir and is treated at their water treatment plant, which is nearing
P \Data1GEN\CWCB \138372 - Animas -La Plata Demand Study \Deliverables \Reports \Final\ALP Cost Demand Study Final Report.docx