Triview Newsletter – November 2024
Let It Snow! Here’s What to Expect When the White Stuff Piles Up
October may have been sunny, warm and beautiful, but the snow has already made an impact now that it is November. As we get ready for what could be a snowier-than-usual winter, we want to remind you about our snow removal policy so we can keep the streets clear and safe for everyone:
- Less than 2 in. of snow or slush – No plowing takes place. It will melt quickly once the sun returns.
- 2 to 4 in. of snow or slush – Primary streets plowed; secondary streets plowed at intervals; all streets plowed once storm ends.
- 4 to 8 in. of snow or slush – Primary streets plowed; secondary streets plowed at intervals; all streets plowed once storm ends; district-maintained sidewalks and other areas cleared.
- At least 8 in. of snow or slush is considered a major snowstorm – Our primary focus is on high-traffic areas; we will plow other primary and secondary streets as allowed.
Please do not park in the streets if there is any snow so that our plows can safely move the snow from the streets. Also, residents are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their property. Please do not push the snow from your walkways, sidewalks or driveways into the street. Instead, shovel it into your yard. Please visit triviewmetro.com/snow-removal-information for snow removal maps.
District’s Water Portfolio Explained
There is nothing easier than getting a glass of water. Just turn on the tap and you can get as much as you need. But you would be astonished at the effort that goes on behind the scenes to make sure that the district has safe and reliable access to that water.
We have shared with you over the past few years our efforts to acquire renewable water rights and build the required infrastructure to ensure it reaches your homes. As we approach the end of the year, we’d like to provide an update on our water portfolio, focusing on what’s known as an exchange decree. This vital component of our water rights portfolio allows us to efficiently manage and transfer water across different locations to meet your needs. The decree allows us to:
- Transfer water stored in one reservoir upstream to another storage account.
- Move treated wastewater from our wastewater treatment facility into our three reservoir accounts, which include Big Johnson Reservoir, Stonewall Springs South Reservoir, and our Excess Capacity Account in Pueblo Reservoir. Water stored in these facilities will ultimately be delivered to Triview through Colorado
Springs Utility’s delivery complex system of pipes and treatment facilities. - Transport water from one reservoir downstream to a river, then exchange it into a storage account.
- Shift water released from irrigation stations downstream to a river, then store it upstream.
- Use agreements with an irrigation company to move and store our water through their canal system and into designated storage facilities.
If you are interested, here is a more detailed explanation of the exchange decree:
- Exchange all of Triview’s water stored in Stonewall Spring’s South Reservoir upstream to Triview’s excess storage account in Pueblo Reservoir.
- Move reusable wastewater return flows released from the Upper Monument Water Reclamation Facility to Monument Creek/Fountain Creek and exchange that return flow into Pueblo Reservoir.
- Move water stored in Big Johnson Reservoir downstream in Fountain Creek to the Arkansas River and then exchange that water into Pueblo Reservoir.
- Move direct flow releases from the Fountain Mutual Irrigation Company’s (FMIC) Spring Creek Augmentation Station downstream in Fountain Creek to the Arkansas River for exchange into Triview’s excess storage account in Pueblo Reservoir.
- Move all our water rights including direct flow AVIC water, Bale Ditch water and Excelsior Ditch water storage releases from Triview’s excess storage account in Pueblo Reservoir and storage releases from Triview’s Stonewall Spring’s South Reservoir upstream in Fountain Creek to the FMIC headgate for storage
in Big Johnson Reservoir. - We have received a carriage agreement from FMIC, which allows us to transfer this water through the FMIC canal system and augmentation stations to storage in Big Johnson Reservoir.
- We have received a storage agreement from FMIC to store our non-FMIC water in Big Johnson Reservoir.
These exchanges were contemplated under our second 1041 Permit from Pueblo County and incorporated in our National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permit for acquiring storage space in Pueblo Reservoir. The exchanges were ultimately adjudicated by the Colorado Water Court. It’s gratifying to see the district’s vision
from over five years ago now operational.
Boosting Water Security: New Storage Tank on the Way With $1 Million ARPA Grant!
Securing renewable water rights is only half the battle; we also must have a place to store that water until it is needed. Increasing storage capacity helps ensure the district can meet the demand for water on those hot summer days. Triview Metro District has secured a $1 million grant to construct a new water storage tank next to the existing B Plant storage tank on St. Lawrence Way. This grant, provided through El Paso County’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding for critical infrastructure/water projects, will help address the district’s growing needs and add essential redundancy to our water supply.
Once completed, the new 1.5 million-gallon tank will allow the existing 30-year-old tank to go offline for much-needed maintenance, while ensuring reliable service without interruption. Additionally, having a second tank increases the district’s firefighting readiness, providing extra resources in case of emergencies. This new tank, combined with the existing B Plant tank and the tank adjacent to the C Plant pump house, gives the district 4.1 million gallons of total water storage. This investment in water infrastructure is a vital step toward a safer, more reliable future for the community.
Northern Delivery System Update
Did you notice a difference in your drinking water in September? That is when our Northern Delivery System (NDS) went online. Utilizing renewable water sources as the district’s primary water supply was the impetus for this project, as it allows the district to reduce its reliance on nonrenewable water from the Denver Basin wells. Thanks to the NDS, 80% to 90% of the water being delivered into the district is now renewable.
We Want Your Opinion
Don’t hit delete! Over the next couple of weeks, you will receive a text message from Triview Metro District inviting you to take a brief community survey about the district’s services and amenities. The survey will take just a few minutes to complete, and your responses are confidential. We greatly appreciate your time and input. Thank you.