Water Planning

Water is life. We all love being around water and are so fortunate to live in such close proximity to the Arkansas River, Cottonwood Creek, and the myriad other source waters that bring the snow melt down off the majestic mountains all around us. Yet we cannot just stick a pump in the river and supply our homes and businesses with water! Water law dictates who can use how much water from where and when. The State of Colorado regulates clean drinking water standards through water treatment. Pipes, pumps, tanks, and other infrastructure bring the accessible water we do haveContinue reading

However, Buena Vista is growing very quickly. This growth not only puts an immense strain on our current water infrastructure, but it also uses more and more of our available water.

This is both a challenge AND an opportunity! The challenge is that we must have water. We cannot ignore it and we must plan to ensure we have enough to keep our community safe and vibrant. The opportunity is that we all get to jump in together to re-affirm our community goals, values, and direction.

Join the conversation by scrolling down and participating!

Water Questions

Have questions about water? Ask away - we will find the answers and respond as we're able.

You need to be signed in to add your question.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Hello. Would it be possible to explain how the proposed Alpine Subdivision/former Stackhouse annexation would impact on hand water available? Will it reduce the current available taps? I read that water is purchased from UAWCD, and it charges a well. The water is deeded to the town. And then the houses will plug into the central water west of the parcel. Thank you.

Amy asked over 1 year ago

The proposed Alpine subdivision would be in the county. The subdivision would not use any of Town's current water supply for any residential or outdoor irrigation use. The concept proposed has been in discussion for more than a year and would not encumber any of the Town's water.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Could you please help me understand the SFE numbers and how they are calculated. My second question is how many does the town have now and what happens if we exhaust our SFEs. My third question would be do these SFEs corelate with our existing water rights. Thanks

MEJ asked over 2 years ago
Hello! Our apologies for the slow response to your questions. Here are basic answers, but much more information can be found here in the 2021 Water Resource Master Plan (WRMP). Thank you!
1. According to the 2021 WRMP, an SFE is a "Single Family Equivalent" - or the amount of water used by the average single family home being served by a 3/4" water meter. As you can imagine, the average home water use fluctuates greatly between winter (low usage) and summer (high usage with outdoor irrigation). However the amount we typically attribute is 350 gallons per day (GPD) per SFE.
2. The 2021 WRMP demonstrates that Town currently has approximately 2511 SFEs available in a dry-year scenario. This number is a conversion of our total useable water rights (measured in CFS or acre-feet) into a number that can be correlated with development, like SFEs. Currently, we have approximately 489 SFEs 'left' for new development. Should this amount be exhausted, Town would not be able to issue or approve any new building permits for new growth. We can now, and will continue to be able to, serve those who currently have water taps.
3. I believe I answered this in question 2's response. See the WRMP document for full detail.
water,sfe,water resource master plan
water sfe water resource master plan