Latest news with #ColoradoSpringsUtilities
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Garden of the Gods completes crucial waterline project
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Tuesday, June 3, the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) department marked the completion of an improvement project at Garden of the Gods Park that will provide crucial access to water for park safety. The Garden of the Gods waterline project recently wrapped up, after eight months of ongoing work. The project was made possible by collaborations between PRCS, the City of Colorado Springs Office of Accessibility, Colorado Springs Fire Department and Colorado Springs Utilities. The project involved the installation of 8,000 feet of new waterline and 9 fire hydrants to enhance park and fire safety, and improve emergency response capabilities by ensuring a readily available water source. Additional improvements were made to enhance accessibility, with the creation of a fully accessible parking lot and ADA compliant trails into the Central Garden. Approximately 3,200 feet of asphalt was replaced to provide accessible parking nearer to the Central Gardens. A more sustainable, accessible concrete trail into Central Garden was also created. A little over two months ago, a fire burned dangerously close to the park and nearby homes. Fire Marshal Kris Cooper said these improvements will provide greater access to critical water infrastructure that could save lives and property in the event of an emergency. 'Over 5 million visitors to the park every year, and with that comes a lot of human activity. And unfortunately sometimes that creates fires. Humans are our greatest cause of fire in our area,' said Colorado Springs Fire Marshal Kris Cooper. 'We do spend a lot of time in the park… and so this gives us great benefit with added access.' Funding for the waterline project came from Colorado Springs Utilities, the Office of Accessibility, the Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax (LART), Park Land Dedication Ordinance (PLDO), and the Garden of the Gods Foundation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Water crisis in Manitou Springs improves, some restrictions lifted
(MANITOU SPRINGS) — The City of Manitou Springs is lifting indoor water restrictions effective immediately on Thursday, May 15. On Wednesday, the City made 'significant progress' in its recent potable water shortage. On Wednesday, May 14, the City treated approximately 457,000 gallons of water, the highest its been since restrictions began. On Thursday, Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) announced that repairs to the CSU-managed pipeline have been completed ahead of schedule and the line has been successfully recharged, thus, the City is now able to begin receiving Fry-Arkansas water through the supplemental system. Due to this, all indoor water restrictions have been lifted. 'This successful turnaround was only possible through the extraordinary efforts of the entire Manitou Springs community. The City extends heartfelt thanks to the residents who made sacrifices—shortening showers, skipping laundry, and staying informed—to help protect our shared resources. Your cooperation and resilience truly made a difference,' the City said in a press release. Outdoor water restrictions remain in effect, and all non-essential outdoor uses such as lawn irrigation, landscape watering, and sprinkler system operation. 'This week has shown what we can accomplish when we come together and make every effort to protect our shared resources,' said Denise Howell, City Administrator. 'From the businesses that closed, to the families that changed their routines, to the organizations that stepped in to help—every action mattered.' Turbidity levels at French Creek are still being monitored. The City urges the community to use water responsibly and continue conservation efforts where possible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Manitou Springs: Water improving, restrictions continue
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The City of Manitou Springs reported on Wednesday, May 14, that progress is being made on the critical potable water supply, but the city asks the community to maintain all conservation efforts through the end of the week. According to the city, the water treatment plant was able to run consistently for about 12 hours on Tuesday, May 13, which was an improvement over the past few days, when it was only able to run for 8 hours per day, due to the turbidity in the raw water supply. The reduced runoff has improved turbidity levels, and the water quality is stabilizing. However, storage tanks remain at around 50% capacity. The city stated that 'every gallon of conservation still counts. Continued, full participation from residents and businesses is essential to sustaining this positive trend.' PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Manitou Springs says water remains 'critically low' The City of Manitou Springs reported that the plant successfully treated around 320,000 gallons of water on May 13, but that amount was used throughout the day. The city thanks the community for taking the restrictions seriously, noting that a year ago on the same day, the city had used 553,000 gallons of water on a similarly warm day. The difference of 230,000 gallons less has made the progress with the water treatment possible. 'The City is deeply grateful for the cooperation and conservation efforts of the Manitou Springs community,' said the City of Manitou Springs. 'Residents, businesses, and partners have responded with care and urgency, and it is because of these collective actions that progress is being made. The City encourages everyone to stay the course, remain mindful of usage, and continue to support one another.' The City of Manitou Springs is asking all residents and businesses to continue to limit non-essential water use, including sprinklers and vehicle washing. Water should continue to only be used for drinking and sanitation purposes, such as washing for health and safety, and brief, infrequent showers. Community members and businesses are encouraged to update their information on the City's CivicReady alert system, which is used to send emergency and local alerts. To enroll, click here. For urgent concerns, please contact: Public Works Emergency Line: (719) 685-2557 Urgent Water or Sewer Issues: (719) 492-1970 Other Urgent Public Works Needs: (719) 492-0058 General Inquiries: (719) 685-2573 Manitou Springs is still collaborating closely with Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) to identify alternate water sources and interim solutions until repairs are completed on a Springs Utilities-managed pipeline that can deliver Manitou Springs-owned water to the city during times of short supply. The Springs Utilities Water Treatment Team has been providing advanced water analysis and technical support to help Manitou Springs navigate this emergency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Water supply emergency in Manitou Springs: Only drinking use permitted
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The City of Manitou Springs said it is experiencing a 'critical water supply emergency' and is directing all local residents and businesses to immediately cease all water use except essential drinking purposes. The City sent a press release following water restrictions enacted earlier on Monday, May 12, and said the reason for the supply emergency is because of 'high turbidity levels' in the City's primary water source following the storm that hit the Pikes Peak region the week of May 5. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Manitou Springs enacts water restrictions following storm Elevated water turbidity means there is a higher concentration of particles, which may signal harmful contaminants. Following the storm, the Pikes Peak region received several feet of snow. The City of Manitou Springs explained that as daytime temperatures rise, rapid snowmelt is causing increased runoff into the watershed. This runoff carries high levels of organic material and sediment, raising turbidity in the raw water entering the Manitou Springs Water Treatment Plant. High turbidity levels were reported at French Creek after the storm, and due to the unavailability of the backup water supply, water reserves have dropped at a faster rate than expected. According to the City, the primary water supply for the City of Manitou Springs is a very senior direct flow water right on French Creek on Pikes Peak. The City has also been a participant in the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project—a federal transmountain diversion project—since it was authorized in the 1960s. Manitou Springs accesses its Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water in two ways: by exchange into storage in the Manitou Reservoir and by direct delivery through Colorado Springs Utilities' Old Northslope Pipeline. The Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water serves as a backup when flows in French Creek are insufficient to meet City water demands, which occurs rarely, or when turbidity levels in French Creek are too high for effective treatment at the City's water treatment plant. Currently, the Old North Slope Pipeline is temporarily out of service for emergency repairs. Colorado Springs Utilities anticipates completing the repairs to the known pipeline leaks by the end of this week. Once repairs are finished and the system is recharged (which takes approximately 24 to 48 hours), the City of Manitou will switch to using the Old North Slope Pipeline until turbidity levels in French Creek subside and normal reservoir treatment operations can resume. 'Without access to this backup delivery method, proactive and complete conservation is the only way to maintain drinking water supply and safeguard system operations during this period of environmental stress,' the City said. All non-drinking water use is prohibited Dishwashing (except for sanitation) Laundry Showers Car washing Irrigation and outdoor sprinklers Commercial and industrial uses not essential to drinking To support emergency conservation efforts, the Manitou Springs Pool and Fitness Center is closed as of Monday, May 12, until further notice. All programs—including fitness classes, swim lessons, and team practices—are canceled. Updates will be shared via the Pool and City websites, social media, and email blasts to members. Across City operations, water use is limited to essential services only, using pre-filled water trucks where needed. The City said it will continue to issue updates through official channels, and FOX21 News will continue tracking this story. For urgent water-related needs, contact: Public Works Emergency Line: (719) 685-2557 Urgent Public Works Issues: (719) 492-0058 Water/Sewer Emergencies: (719) 492-1970 General Inquiries: (719) 685-2573 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
South Catamount Reservoir remains under construction
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) is reminding the public that even though the North Slope Recreation Area (NSRA) has reopened, South Catamount Reservoir remains under construction. The reservoir, which holds the drinking water for Colorado Springs, is undergoing a major rehabilitation project to enhance the safety and performance of its 88-year-old dam. Built in 1937, the South Catamount Reservoir is one of four reservoirs in the country with a dam face constructed of steel. The steel must be resurfaced periodically to protect it from corrosion. In addition to resurfacing, work includes the replacement of dam infrastructure, underground pipes, and spillway. The project is in its second year and is expected to be finished in the fall, reopening to the public in 2026. Springs Utilities said the complexities of the dam rehabilitation project require trail closures near the reservoirs for public safety, as well as the safety of work crews. Along with South Catamount Reservoir, there are closures to the north and east of Crystal Creek Reservoir. Trail users are asked to respect signs that prohibit foot and bicycle traffic near worksites. Construction vehicle congestion is expected to be heavier over the summer as the dam's spillway and spillway bridge are replaced. A map of NSRA, including trail closures and work areas, will be posted at trailheads in the area. Access to North Catamount Reservoir remains open from the Catamount Open Space Trailhead in Teller County. Access to North Catamount from Pikes Peak Highway remains closed for safety. During the project, water from other parts of the system can be moved to provide water service for customers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
