Board of Water Works of Pueblo

BOARD OF WATER WORKS, PUEBLO COLORADO:GRAPHIC

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Your Water - Flowing Through Time
From the early days when followers of Santa Fe Trail came to Pueblo, the water available here meant survival. These early travelers in the semi-arid Great Plains area depended on the water found in local rivers. As the community grew, the importance of preserving the pure, clean water from high in the Rocky Mountains became more and more evident. The Board of Water Works of Pueblo was formed to supply the city’s needs, allowing it to grow and prosper.

Snow plowing picture:Graphic Getting the Water to Pueblo
Each spring a special Water Works crew moves high into the Rocky Mountains for snow removal and maintenance of Pueblo’s water diversion systems. Snowplows open the ditches, which may be covered with snowdrifts up to 15’ high. As the snow melts, the runoff water flows in these ditches to the River basin. The amount of water derived depends on the depth and moisture content of the snow pack, and on the weather conditions during the spring runoff.

After its trip downstream the water is diverted to the Water Board’s modern Water Treatment Plant where it undergoes a variety of processes to make it safe to drink. These processes include taste and odor control, coagulation, disinfection, sedimentation, and filtration. These treatments ensure that Pueblo’s water meets or exceeds all State and Federal guidelines. Arkansas river picture:Graphic

The Board of Water Works of Pueblo owns substantial "transmountain" water rights. Transmountain water begins as snowfall on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains and is diverted through or across the Continental Divide. Since this water is new to the basin, it can be stored and reused.

Pipe Room Picture:Graphic Transmission and Distribution
Following treatment, Pueblo’s water is pumped to various storage tanks around the city. Primary pump stations located at the Gardner and McCabe sites transfer all water into the system. The J. O. Jones, LaVista, Watts, and Belmont Pump Stations move the finished water to higher points in the distribution system.

To convey the water supply throughout Pueblo’s water system, more than 500 miles of water mains varying in size from 4 to 66 inches are utilized.

Future Plans for Pueblo’s Water Supply
Past members of the Water Board looked to the future when planning for the water supply of Pueblo. Through prudent management and operation, the Board of Water Works has a firm supply of water, which could meet the needs of a population of 370,000. As Pueblo grows, extending the water system into new neighborhoods, and expansion of pump station and storage tank facilities will be required. In addition, the utility expects to expand and enhance its water treatment capabilities in the near future. These expansions will be paid for just as they have been in the past – with revenue from water sales.

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