Colorado Springs ready to activate water pipeline

  • 2016-04-23
Engineers in Colorado Springs are preparing to switch on one of the most innovative water projects in the West.

A pipeline will siphon water from the Arkansas River in Pueblo to Colorado Springs, 50 miles away. Costing $825m, it will deliver as many as 50 million gallons of water per day.

Known as the Southern Delivery System, the pipeline has taken 27 years to complete. The project is needed since Colorado Springs is located on a flood plain that is dry most of the year and gets its water from two small creeks. The new system will pull water from the reservoir in Pueblo and pump it uphill 1,500 feet, to engender Colorado Springs' growth.

Before the pipeline goes active, however, Colorado Springs may pay an additional $460m to Pueblo to help clean up Fountain Creek, which has been fouled by runoff from Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs officials said they plan to agree to Pueblo's request. John Suthers, the mayor of Colorado Springs, said the new system will provide all the water the city needs for the next 50 years.

Colorado Springs and Pueblo officials will vote on the agreement April 26, and the pipeline will be switched on April 27. Public comment is requested, so city officials could work with a postcard printing company on a card for Mailing, to ask residents provide input.
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