PUEBLO WEST, Colo.

District utilities staff reported several water-related operational and asset items during the Pueblo West Metropolitan District work session including: the staff-executed purchase of 1 share of Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Company; insurance compensation for a tank damaged by freezing; geotechnical test-hole work at planned park sites; and a treatment-plant overflow incident.

Water staff said the district purchased one Twin Lakes share after a vetting process by district engineers and counsel. Staff characterized the Twin Lakes shares as an important water resource for the district; the specific purchase was described as providing one acre-foot per year in perpetuity.

Utilities Director Jim Blazing reported the district received insurance compensation for a distribution tank that froze in January 2024; staff stated the compensation amount as $9,994,887 and that the funds will be used for future tank repairs and replacements. Blazing said one replacement tank has already been rebuilt using those funds and additional tank projects are planned.

On geotechnical work, staff said the testing rig completed borings at the Soaring Eagle north site and at the John Powell/McCulloch site after a temporary rig failure. Project status updates will continue to be posted weekly.

Deputy Director of Utility Operations Kevin Love reported the district experienced an overflow at contact tanks at the treatment plant in the evening; operator response and distribution staff mitigated the event and staff estimated approximately 30,000 gallons were lost. Staff posted road-closed/water signage during the response.

Directors asked clarifying questions; staff said the Twin Lakes purchase had been vetted by counsel and engineering and that the board would see a ratification action on the agenda. No formal board vote on the Twin Lakes purchase or the insurance expenditures was taken at the work session.