ALLENSPARK WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT
The Allenspark Water and Sanitation Special District was established in 1973. After considerable work establishing water rights and funding, the water treatment plant and distribution system were built in 1977.
Our raw water is surface water that is diverted from a year round creek that flows out of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Water is collected high in the watershed with very little development above our inlet. To date, water flows have been sufficient to meet the district requirements but, we are working to increase the supply particularly for the winter months.
Water quality and production is monitored daily by a team of certified water operators. It is rigorously tested as required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Water is stored at the treatment plant in a quantity large enough to supply the district for over a week and is able to provide typical firefighting water supply to the Allenspark Fire District. Water is supplied to the district customers through a gravity fed distribution system with two pressure zones. There are currently 109 physical taps on the distribution system.
Water treatment has changed through the years as water requirements and state regulations have changed. The district currently uses Ultra Filtration installed in 2020 as the primary treatment technology. The water is then lightly chlorinated, and pH adjusted to provide excellent quality and safe drinking water to our customers. The treatment plant currently produces water at 25 gpm and has capacity considerably higher than this. There is currently sufficient treatment capacity in place to meet all potential growth anticipated by the district for years to come.
CRYSTAL SPRING
Crystal Spring has been a drinking water source for the Allenspark community for over 100 years. The water is from a natural spring that flows year round and is some of the best tasting water around! We hear many stories of people traveling long distances to fill their drinking water containers.
The Allenspark Water and Sanitation District took over the management of the Spring in the early 1970s. Over its history, Crystal Spring has seen a variety of uses. Before the Allenspark Water system was installed, water was sometimes piped from the spring to local businesses. During the early years of the Allenspark Water District, Crystal Spring water was used as a second source of water for the district during times of drought. The water was once even bottled and sold commercially. Today, the water is only used as a drive up source of water for personal use.
Crystal Spring water costs about $.10 per gallon produced. It is filtered, lightly chlorinated, and tested daily as required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The goal is to fund these costs through donations but, for the past few years, donations have only provided about half of the needed funds. The Allenspark Water and Sanitation District has generously subsidized the rest. If you use and appreciate this wonderful water supply, please be generous with your donations!