Bray Allen Water Rights Change Case (2026)

Project Synopsis: Regional Water Storage Partnership (Clear Creek Reservoir)

The Town of Buena Vista is strengthening its long-term water security through a regional water storage partnership with the City of Pueblo. This agreement provides Buena Vista with access to municipal water storage in Clear Creek Reservoir, improving reliability, drought resilience, and flexibility in how the Town manages its water resources.

Rather than building a new reservoir, Buena Vista is using existing regional infrastructure to store water during wetter periods for use when supplies are tighter. This approach helps ensure the Town can continue to meet the needs of residents, businesses, and future development while adapting to changing climate conditions and variable water availability.

Water storage plays a critical role in:

• Protecting the Town during drought years

• Meeting water rights and augmentation requirements

• Supporting emergency preparedness

• Ensuring reliable service as the community grows

This project is part of a broader, long-range strategy to responsibly manage water resources, invest wisely, and collaborate regionally to reduce costs while improving resilience.

How This Project Aligns with Town Priorities

This project directly supports the Town’s Strategic Comprehensive Plan (2026) and adopted water planning goals:

Strategic Comprehensive Plan 2026

• WE Big Idea 4: Expand water supply, reuse, and conservation strategies

  • WE Action 4A: Expand the Town’s water supply portfolio to meet long-term needs

  • WE Action 4B: Evaluate flexible water infrastructure and reuse opportunities

  • WE Action 4D: Collaborate regionally with other water providers and agencies

Supporting Adopted Plans

• Water Resources Master Plan (2021): Identifies additional storage and diversified supply as top priorities.

• Source Water Protection Plan: Emphasizes secure, diversified water sources to protect quality and reliability.

• Hazard Mitigation Plan (2020): Recognizes water reliability as critical infrastructure for emergency response.

• Facility Needs Assessment & 10-Year Plan (2020): Calls for phased investment to reduce long-term system risk.

• 3-Mile Plan (2025): Highlights the importance of adequate water infrastructure to support future growth and annexation.

Why It Matters

This regional storage partnership helps Buena Vista plan ahead; ensuring water remains available, affordable, and responsibly managed for current residents and future generations. By investing in collaboration instead of costly new infrastructure, the Town is taking a practical, forward-thinking approach to water resilience.