In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a proposed subdivision in Mancos, Colorado, highlighted ongoing concerns about water availability in the region. The proposal, submitted by Johnny and Michelle Stinson, seeks to create two lots on a property currently reliant on a cistern system for water supply.

The meeting revealed that while the Upper Water District is working on a project to establish a water storage tank and distribution lines, the system is not yet operational. Currently, residents are hauling water, and there is uncertainty regarding the design and construction timeline for the new water system. The Stinsons expressed their desire to split the property to facilitate their daughter’s home construction, emphasizing that they would only be adding one additional cistern to the existing setup.

Commissioners raised significant concerns about the reliability of the water supply, noting that the Mancos water dock is already under strain. They discussed the implications of approving new subdivisions without a guaranteed water source, highlighting the potential for increased requests in the future that could exacerbate the existing water issues.

Despite these concerns, some commissioners leaned towards approving the subdivision, acknowledging the need for housing while recognizing the challenges posed by water scarcity. The board considered stipulations regarding the acquisition of water taps once they become available, though they acknowledged the difficulties in guaranteeing a timeline for such availability.

Ultimately, the commissioners moved to approve the subdivision application, contingent upon the future availability of water taps, reflecting a cautious approach to balancing development needs with water resource management. The decision underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities in managing water resources amid growing demand for residential development.